Reds rotation concerns intensify after Rhett Lowder's early exit vs. Cubs

The Cincinnati Reds' 2026 season has quickly gone off the rails after losing six straight games during their current road trip. But things look even worse after Rhett Lowder's early-exit during Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs. According to ESPN's Jesse Rogers, Lowder left the game with right shoulder discomfort.

Lowder, who was coming off his worst Major League start, was lifted during the fourth inning after walking two straight Cubs' hitters. He then delivered the first pitch to the next batter, Michael Busch, and Reds manager Terry Francona came strolling out to the mound along with the team's head athletic trainer, Sean Mcqueeney.

After a brief discussion on the mound, Lowder left the game and was replaced by right-handed reliever Connor Phillips. Lowder's final line saw him cover just three innings and allowed three runs on two hits with four walks and just one strikeout.

Rhett Lowder exits as Reds rotation concerns reach new heights

The Reds were already dealing with injury concerns among their starters after placing Brandon Williamson on the 60-day IL earlier this week. The Reds left-hander has been battling shoulder fatigue and was already on the 15-day IL.

Thankfully Nick Lodolo is scheduled to return to the Cincinnati rotation this weekend. He'd been battling a blister issue on the index finger of his left hand since spring training, but should be back on the bump Friday against the Houston Astros.

Arguably the Reds biggest loss is the absence of Hunter Greene. The fireballer was left off the team's Opening Day roster after he had surgery to remove loose body from his right elbow earlier this spring. Greene's timeline is still undefined, but most assume he'll be back sometime in July.

If Lowder's early-exit results in a trip to the injured list, look for the Reds to recall Chase Petty. The right-hander made his 2026 debut earlier this week and pitches surprisingly well. Most Reds fans remember Petty's disastrous debut in 2025, so it was nice to him bounce back during his first start of this season.

The Reds rotation was supposed to be the team's strength heading into spring training, but that has quickly evaporated six weeks into the season and is now the club's biggest weakness.

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