Reds' Lowder Looks to Continue Dominant Start Against Marlins

Cincinnati right-hander Rhett Lowder aims to keep his stellar early-season ERA in check against Miami.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:22am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's delivery broken down into overlapping planes of color, representing the unique pitching style of Reds starter Rhett Lowder.Rhett Lowder's unorthodox pitching motion has baffled hitters early this season, as the young Reds righty aims to keep his dominant start going against the Marlins.Today in Miami

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder, who missed all of last season due to injuries, has come back in fine form this year. In two starts, Lowder is 1-0 with a 1.64 ERA, the lowest by a Reds starter over their first eight big-league starts since 1913. On Thursday, Lowder will face the Miami Marlins, who will counter with right-hander Max Meyer.

Why it matters

Lowder's early-season dominance has been a bright spot for the Reds, who are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 campaign. The young righty's ability to pitch effectively without overpowering stuff has impressed his manager and catcher, and a continued strong outing against the Marlins could further establish Lowder as a rising star in the Reds' rotation.

The details

In his two starts this season, the 24-year-old Lowder has allowed just three runs over 11 innings, striking out 12 batters. His success comes despite a fastball that typically tops out at 94 mph, as he relies on his ability to 'spin it down low' and keep hitters off-balance. Lowder, who was the Reds' first-round pick in 2023 after a dominant college career at Wake Forest, will look to continue his strong start against a Marlins lineup that has shown the ability to produce runs.

  • Lowder will make his third start of the season on Thursday, April 9, 2026.
  • The Reds and Marlins are playing the final game of a four-game series in Miami.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has started the season with a 1.64 ERA in two starts, the lowest by a Reds starter over their first eight big-league starts since 1913.

Max Meyer

A 27-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Miami Marlins who will start against Lowder and the Reds. Meyer is 0-0 with a 4.66 ERA in two career starts against Cincinnati.

Jose Trevino

The Reds' starting catcher, who was placed on the injured list on Wednesday due to a thoracic spine strain.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who has praised Lowder's ability to pitch effectively without overpowering stuff.

Clayton McCullough

The manager of the Miami Marlins, who has highlighted the contributions of outfielder Griffin Conine and reliever Michael Petersen.

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What they’re saying

“(Lowder) is a great pitcher. He knows where his stuff is going. He has an idea of how to use his tools.”

— Jose Trevino, Reds Catcher

“In an era when guys just grip it and rip it, (Lowder) can spin it down low, below barrels. Even when he falls behind, he doesn't have to come in with a fastball.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

“Griffin has impact in his bat. When he squares it up, he can do damage.”

— Clayton McCullough, Marlins Manager

What’s next

The Reds and Marlins will wrap up their four-game series on Thursday, April 9, 2026.

The takeaway

Lowder's early-season success has been a bright spot for the Reds, showcasing his ability to pitch effectively without overpowering stuff. If he can continue to baffle hitters and keep his ERA low, he could emerge as a key part of Cincinnati's rotation for years to come.