Rhett Lowder's setback could become a turning point for this rising Reds pitcher

Starting pitcher Rhett Lowder will remain on the Cincinnati Reds active roster — for now. The right-hander left Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs with right shoulder discomfort, and after the MRI revealed no structural damage, he received an injection into his AC joint. The hope is that Lowder will throw a bullpen session on Sunday and be ready for his next scheduled start.

Reds manager Terry Francona said that the team was going to err on the side of caution and not immediately relegate Lowder to the injured list. But if an IL stint is necessary, the Reds would appear to have a secret weapon waiting in the wings at Triple-A.

Chase Petty could take Rhett Lowder's spot in the Reds rotation

Chase Petty made his 2026 debut for the Reds earlier this week and, all things considered, pitched quite well. The young righty went 5⅔ innings and allowed three earned runs on just four hits. Petty was haunted by a pair of walks to Alex Bregman and Ian Happ before allowing a three-run homer to Seiya Suzuki. He still managed to strike out one batter while issuing just two walks, and he kept the Reds in the game.

While those aren't necessarily eye-popping stats, Petty's outing was miles better than what most fans expected. It probably helped those same fans to forget his disastrous MLB debut from last season when Petty couldn't make it out of the third inning. He allowed nine runs on seven hits in his first Major League game.

It sounds as if Petty is slated to start at Triple-A Louisville on Sunday, but a lot can change between now and then. If Lowder is unable to participate in his bullpen session, or isn't up to par, the Reds could change course rather quickly.

Furthermore, Monday's off-day could allow the Reds to operate on a four-man rotation one time through. Nick Lodolo starts Friday and is followed by Chase Burns, Andrew Abbott, and Brady Singer. But Cincinnati is off following Sunday's series finale against the Houston Astros, meaning Lodolo could pitch on normal rest for Game 2 (Wednesday) of the Reds' upcoming series against the Washington Nationals.

The hope, of course, is that Lowder is fully healthy by the time his turn in the rotation comes up and is able to take the ball. But if his shoulder continues to be a problem, it's nice to know the Reds have a Plan B.

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