Reds Pitcher Rhett Lowder Achieves Historic Feat

Lowder lowers career ERA to 1.30, best by a Reds pitcher through 8 starts

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:43am

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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder has accomplished something no other Reds pitcher has ever done, lowering his career ERA to 1.30 through his first 8 starts of the season. Lowder's performance has matched a feat only achieved by legendary Dodgers pitcher Fernando Valenzuela.

Why it matters

Lowder's historic start to the season has put him in elite company, demonstrating his exceptional talent and potential to become one of the Reds' all-time great pitchers. His dominance on the mound has been a bright spot for the team and has generated excitement among Reds fans.

The details

In a 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Saturday, Lowder threw six innings, continuing his dominant stretch to begin the 2026 season. Through his first 8 starts, the 24-year-old has posted a 1.30 ERA, the best by a Reds pitcher at this stage of the season.

  • Lowder threw six innings in a 2-0 win over the Texas Rangers on Saturday, April 5, 2026.
  • Through his first 8 starts of the 2026 season, Lowder has a 1.30 ERA, the best by a Reds pitcher at this stage of the season.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 24-year-old starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has had a historic start to the 2026 season.

Fernando Valenzuela

A legendary MLB pitcher who, like Lowder, had an exceptional start to his career, matching Lowder's feat of a 1.30 ERA through his first 8 starts.

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What they’re saying

“Rhett has been absolutely dominant for us this season. To match a feat only accomplished by a legend like Fernando Valenzuela is truly remarkable.”

— David Bell, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

Lowder will look to continue his historic start when he takes the mound for the Reds in their next game against the Texas Rangers on April 10, 2026.

The takeaway

Rhett Lowder's historic start to the 2026 season has put him in elite company and has generated immense excitement among Reds fans, who are hopeful that the young pitcher can sustain this level of dominance and potentially cement his legacy as one of the franchise's all-time great pitchers.