Reds should join this trend to make space for Rhett Lowder on the Opening Day roster

As the postseason expands and the offseason shrinks, pitching staffs are being tasked to cover more innings with less recovery time. Some teams, like the defending champion Los Angeles Dodgers, are adjusting by implementing a six-man rotation and giving starters five days of rest. Terry Francona and the Cincinnati Reds should follow suit.

The trade for Brady Singer and Nick Martinez’s acceptance of the Reds’ qualifying offer have given Cincinnati an abundance of quality starting pitchers, and there are more on the way. Top prospects Rhett Lowder, Lyon Richardson, Chase Petty, and Connor Phillips should push their way into the big league picture sooner rather than later. A six-man rotation would open up opportunities for them while keeping their workload low.

The Reds should hop on the six-man rotation trend in 2025 in order to keep Rhett Lowder on the Opening Day roster

In college, the minors, and international leagues, starters pitch about once a week, so the adjustment to the majors’ four-day rest can flummox even the most promising pitchers. Teams are learning to manage this. For example, the Pirates trotted out Paul Skenes exclusively on at least five days’ rest. Similarly, more than half of Tarik Skubal’s outings came with at least five days’ rest.

As pitching injuries rise, a six-man rotation could also provide adequate time for rest and recovery between starts. The Reds have some of the nastiest stuff in baseball. Think of Hunter Greene’s fastball, for example. Unfortunately, stuff and velocity are two of the leading factors in the increase in injuries. Cincinnati should prioritize protecting their young arms.

Of course, extra rest doesn’t automatically translate to success on the field. Greene, for example, has a significantly higher ERA on five days’ rest (4.31) than he does on four (3.36). The rest of the projected rotation is remarkably consistent regardless of rest. Martinez, despite his experience as a reliever, is actually much better with more rest; his ERA drops from 5.03 to 4.48 on five days’ rest.

Another drawback of the six-man rotation would be increased pressure on the bullpen. The Reds would have to sacrifice a reliever spot in favor of the sixth starter. Considering the questionable nature of the Reds’ projected relief corps, this may be too great a sacrifice. But a plan that gets Lowder and the next wave of prospects to Cincinnati would certainly be worth it.

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