Shocking Reds injury revelation fuels speculation of return nobody saw coming

Cincinnati Reds fans were already gearing up for the return of Chase Burns, but it appears as though another rookie hurler may be on his way back to the active roster as well. According to Power Stacks Podcast host Brian Giesenschlag, Rhett Lowder will begin a rehab assignment with Triple-A Louisville on Saturday, September 13.

Lowder has been out of commission all season long, and it's been assumed for months that he would not return to the mound this season. That may still be the case, but the timing is awfully convenient, isn't it?

Lowder was shelved this spring after a lingering elbow injury upon his arrival in Goodyear forced the right-hander onto the IL. He made a handful of rehab starts in the minors before suffering an oblique injury, and he's been away from the field ever since.

Rhett Lowder's rehab assignment has Reds fans believing he could join Chase Burns in the bullpen

There may not be enough time left in the season for Lowder to return to the Major League roster. Furthermore, having never pitched out of the bullpen as a professional — which would be his role if he were to return — one has wonder if it's even in the cards.

But with just over two weeks left and the playoffs very much in play, this has to be viewed as an all-hands-on-deck type of situation. If there's any modicum of optimism that Lowder could return to the active roster, the Reds owe it to themselves to pursue it.

Lowder made six appearances last season as a rookie and posted an outstanding 1.17 ERA through 30⅔ innings of work. While Lowder was well regarded as a strikeout artist in the minors, the 23-year-old pitched more to contact during his time in the big leagues last season.

A return to the bump seems improbable, but not impossible. Because Lowder's been on the 40-man roster all season, he'd also be eligible for the postseason roster. Though he should likely be viewed as little more than an emergency call-up, there's an outside chance that Lowder could return to a Major League season before the Reds season comes to a close.

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