Reds get crucial update on injured starting pitcher

With the Cincinnati Reds’ pitching staff going through injuries, there is a key update on Rhett Lowder, as he has been out for some time with a right shoulder injury. As the Reds look to get back on track, so does Lowder, as the next steps of his progress are positive, being revealed by manager Terry Francona.

According to MLB.com, Lowder was expected to have a “pretty active day” on Monday, which included more throwing with the 24-year-old being set to face live hitters on Wednesday.

“Slated to have a ‘pretty active day’ on May 25, including more intense throwing. Expected to face hitters in live BP on May 27,” MLB.com wrote.

This would come from Francona, who said that he will be “aggressive on his throwing” as he looks to get back, as he will likely have one or two rehab starts before returning back to the majors.

“He’s going to have a pretty active day today, and then Wednesday he’s going to face some hitters here in (Wednesday) afternoon,” Francona said to reporter Mike Petraglia. “He’ll get pretty aggressive on his throwing.”

Reds’ Rhett Lowder looking to turn his season around after trip to IL

This season for the Reds, Lowder has recorded a 5.40 ERA to go along with 27 strikeouts and a 3-3 record in eight starts, with his last appearance coming on May 7 in the 8-3 loss to the Chicago Cubs, where he threw three innings before leaving with the injury. Cincinnati would then put him on the injured list (IL), as Francona would say at the time, that they are looking at the big picture with Lowder.

“It’s not been done year, but our thought was we’re trying not to put a bandaid on something,” Francona said, via The Cincinnati Enquirer. “We want this kid to be able to pitch, and pitch for a long time and not get interrupted, so hopefully, a couple weeks down will do him a world of good.”

At any rate, it remains to be seen when Lowder comes back to the Reds, as the team is 28-25, which puts them fourth in the NL Central.