Rhett Lowder's spring training hiccup may pause plans for perplexing Reds' pitcher

Cincinnati Reds fans were somewhat blindsided on Tuesday when news of an elbow issue would limit Rhett Lowder during the early-going of spring training. As news began to trickle out, it became apparent that Lowder's restrictions were precautionary and the right-hander expects to be throwing in the near future.

But after last season, Reds fans are quite suspicious any time a name appears on an injury report. In 2024, a minor injury soon turned into a stint on the 60-day IL, so you'll have to forgive the Reds' fanbase if they're a bit on edge given the latest development surrounding the team's top prospect.

But Lowder's setback may keep Graham Ashcraft in the starting rotation; at least for now. It's been bandied about all offseason that Cincinnati's pitching depth will force the Reds to move Ashcraft into a relief role. While that may ultimately be his destination, the Reds should still plan to stretch out Ashcraft as a starter this spring.

Rhett Lowder's spring training hiccup may pause plans for Graham Ashcraft's transition to the Reds bullpen

Ashcraft could be very successful as a relief pitcher. His cutter/ slider combo has the potential to be deadly at the backend of the Reds bullpen. With an emphasis on just getting three outs while not having to preserve his stuff for multiple innings, Ashcraft could just let it eat and be a shutdown option at the end of games.

But while Cincinnati has an abundance of starting pitchers in camp this spring, the team's track record isn't that great. Hunter Greene proved himself last season and logged a career-best 150 ⅓ frames. Nick Martinez has shown that he can shoulder the load of a full season, as has Brady Singer.

But the trio of Ashcraft, Nick Lodolo, and Andrew Abbott all ended the 2024 season on the IL. Cincy is already without Brandon Williamson and Julian Aguiar, and Wade Miley won't be ready in time for Opening Day. Chase Burns hasn't pitched since wrapping up his college career at Wake Forest last summer, and Carson Spiers is a "break glass in case of emergency" option who should start the season in Triple-A.

While Ashcraft may eventually find his way into the Reds bullpen by the middle of the season, there's no rush. Cincinnati should give Ashcraft every chance to win a spot in the Opening Day rotation, and if he's outplayed, the Reds should stow him away down in Louisville.

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