Next Reds' debut will not be as unpredictable as Blake Dunn's promotion

Blake Dunn went 0-for-2 in his major league debut, but it was a debut nonetheless. The Cincinnati Reds made the surprising move on Tuesday to select Dunn's contract from Triple-A Louisville and option Nick Martini back to the minor leagues. With the Reds' run of upcoming left-handed starters, manager David Bell is hoping to give Dunn plenty of opportunities going forward.

But while Dunn's promotion to the big leagues came as somewhat of a surprise, the same won't be said of the next Reds rookie to make his MLB debut in 2024. The list, quite frankly, isn't that long and it's likely to be one of two players.

Rhett Lowder or Zach Maxwell will be the next Reds rookie to debut in 2024

Rhett Lowder or Zach Maxwell will be the next player to make their major league debut with the Reds in 2024. Seeing as how Lowder is pitching at Double-A Chattanooga (and struggling), it's much more likely that Maxwell will get the call.

Maxwell began the 2024 season in Chattanooga, but after dominating the competition at Double-A, the Cincinnati brass decided it was time to elevate the former sixth-round pick to the top-level of the minor leagues. Maxwell has been pitching at Triple-A Louisville since May 22nd and through four appearances has a 2.70 ERA while allowing just one base hit in 15 plate appearances.

Maxwell's biggest bugaboo has been walks. The hulking right-hander is known for being a high-velocity reliever, but with that comes the typical lack of control and command. Maxwell has five walks to go along with six strikeouts this season.

Zach Maxwell is not part of the Reds 40-man roster

Much like Dunn, Maxwell is not part of the Reds' 40-man roster. Having added Dunn on Tuesday, Cincinnati's roster is now at capacity. That means that in order to add Maxwell to the roster, a player much be designated for assignment or placed on the 60-day IL.

The Reds current roster doesn't really have room for Maxwell, and Cincinnati will need to clear a spot in a few weeks for the return of Noelvi Marte. So Maxwell's eventual ascension shouldn't be expected any time soon unless there's an injury.

Lowder could make his MLB debut before Maxwell, but it seems unlikely. Last year's first-round pick has made five starts since jumping up to the Double-A level and currently owns an 8.02 ERA.

Though Lowder has 30 punch outs in just 21.1 innings pitched, the opposition in the Southern League is hitting .348 against him. Reds fans who were hoping to see Lowder this season may want to temper their expectations.

Both Christian Roa and Rece Hinds are on the Reds 40-man roster and hoping to receive a call-up sometime this season. But Roa has walked far too many batters this season and Hinds has swung and missed more times than not. Both Reds prospects probably need an entire season in Triple-A before being called up to The Show.

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