Reds fans' fears become reality after top prospect suffers spring training setback

Pitchers and catchers reported to Goodyear on Monday, and by Tuesday, one of the Cincinnati Reds' top hurlers has already been sidelined with an injury. Rhett Lowder, the Reds' top prospect, is dealing with elbow soreness. On the plus-side, an MRI revealed no structural damage, so there's no need to panic...yet.

Lowder was expected to compete for a spot on the Reds Opening Day roster, but this setback will limit his pitching program for the time being. According to Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer, Lowder expects to start throwing later this week.

While it's not out of the realm of possibilities for Lowder to return full-go, and hopefully even pitch in a Cactus League game before the team leaves Goodyear, these types of injuries are oftentimes treated with an abundance of caution. Don't be shocked if Lowder's timetable is pushed back.

Reds prospect Rhett Lowder suffers spring training setback

Last season, Lowder shined during the month of September. His call-up was rather unexpected, but the rookie rallied and posted a meager 1.17 ERA in six starts while striking out 22 batters over 30 ⅔ innings pitched.

The Reds are already operating two men down heading into spring training. Both Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar suffered elbow injuries in 2024 and the duo underwent Tommy John surgery last year. Neither pitcher is expected to return to the bump this season.

This is the last thing Reds fans wanted to here this early in spring training. Yes, injuries are part of the game, and unfortunately, Reds fans know that all too well. Last season, Williamson, Aguiar, Graham Ashcraft, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott, and Tejay Antone all spent time on the injured list. Every one of them, except for Greene, finished the year on the IL.

The Reds have a plethora of pitchers who'll be competing for a spot in the Reds rotation this spring, so Lowder's setback isn't crippling. But it's an inauspicious start to a spring that's full of hope. Lowder's limitations will now allow non-roster invitees like Chase Burns, Chase Petty, and Jose Acuña to showcase their talents during the early-going, but that's little comfort to Reds fans at the moment.

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