Rhett Lowder DVOA, Advanced Stats, & Fantasy Rankings

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm), who has been on the IL since March with a strained forearm, is scheduled to throw a bullpen session on Saturday, April 26. This should keep him on track for a return sometime in May, although it isn't clear whether he'll be assigned to Triple-A or join the major league rotation when he is ready to go. The Reds' second-ranked prospect (MLB No. 32) began 2024 at High-A and worked his way all the way up to the majors by August, making six starts for Cincinnati, posting a 1.17 ERA (3.10 FIP), 1.27 WHIP, and a 6.3 percent K-BB% in 30 2/3 innings of work. The 23-year-old should get another shot in the majors this season, and with last year's success, fantasy managers should be on the lookout for any developments regarding his return.

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (forearm) has begun throwing off the mound. The 23-year-old was unable to participate during spring training due to a right forearm strain. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status, but it appears he is taking steps forward in his recovery process. Last season, the former seventh overall pick made his big league debut. Lowder logged 30 2/3 innings in Cincinnati and held a 1.17 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP. He tallied 22 punchouts and posted a high 10.9 percent walk rate. Earlier in the season, the former Wake Forest product progressed quickly through the Cincinnati system. He spent most of his time at Double-A, where he posted a 4.32 ERA and a 1.27 WHIP across 77 1/3 innings. When healthy, he should contend for a return to the big leagues.

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (elbow) has been placed on the 15-day IL as a result of elbow discomfort he began experiencing earlier this spring. The former seventh-overall draft pick has already begun a throwing program so it doesn't appear to be a long-term issue, but with minor league options left, the righty will likely head to Triple-A to start the season. At some point later in the year, the 23-year-old will probably be back with the big league club after performing admirably in six starts in 2024, posting a 1.17 ERA (4.73 xFIP), 1.27 WHIP, and didn't allow a single home run in 30 2/3 innings pitched. However, he registered a 6.3 percent K-BB%, much lower than the 19.9 percent K-BB% he recorded in the minors. Once he returns to the majors, the Wake Forest product would make a solid waiver add in deep leagues with the potential to be a rotation piece in most other mixed leagues if he performs to his talent level.

Cincinnati Reds pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (elbow), who is dealing with right-elbow soreness in camp, started a throwing progression on Monday. "I hit a hiccup, but I feel great with where I'm at now. It was a blessing in disguise. It opened a light to things I need to work on with my body that I didn't know about. It's good to know more about that now," Lowder said. The 22-year-old is behind the other pitchers in camp, but he still could be ready for Opening Day in late March. The Reds certainly aren't going to rush one of their best pitching prospects, so don't be surprised if he begins the 2025 season in the minors leagues for more seasoning. The seventh overall pick in 2023 out of Wake Forest should be rostered in all dynasty/keeper leagues, though, and he could become relevant in mixed leagues in 2025 at some point after holding his own with a 1.17 ERA in his first six MLB starts a year ago.

According to Mark Sheldon of MLB.com, Cincinnati Reds starting pitching prospect Rhett Lowder (elbow) is dealing with elbow soreness and is being limited with his throwing program. However, Sheldon noted the former seventh overall pick has no structural damages. Fantasy managers should continue to monitor Lowder's status during spring training in case he faces more limitations. However, seeing that the MRI results came back positive is a positive sign. Lowder is expected to compete for a spot in the starting rotation during spring training. Last summer, the No. 2 ranked prospect in the system made his professional debut. He opened the campaign at High-A but spent most of his summer at Double-A, where he held a 4.31 ERA with a 1.27 WHIP across 77 1/3 frames. He then earned a brief taste of the majors, where he posted a 1.17 ERA across 30 innings. Lowder could open the season at Triple-A if this injury lingers throughout the spring.