Reds' Rhett Lowder makes baseball history not achieved since 1913

The 24-year-old right-hander has put up historic numbers in the early stages of his MLB career.

Apr. 5, 2026 at 4:07pm

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Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder has started his career in historic fashion, posting a 1.30 ERA through his first eight starts - the lowest mark for a Reds pitcher since 1930. Lowder has also tied the record for most scoreless starts of 5+ innings to begin a career, matching the legendary Fernando Valenzuela. At just 24 years old, the former first-round pick is proving he belongs in the majors and has already etched his name in the history books.

Why it matters

Lowder's dominant start to his MLB career is a bright spot for the rebuilding Reds, providing hope that they have a potential ace in the making. His historic numbers have drawn comparisons to all-time greats like Valenzuela, further elevating his profile as a rising young star in the league.

The details

Through his first eight career starts, Rhett Lowder has posted a 1.30 ERA, the fifth-lowest mark for any pitcher through their first eight starts since 1961. He has also tied Fernando Valenzuela's record with five scoreless starts of at least 5.0 innings to begin a career, a feat that hasn't been accomplished since 1900.

  • Lowder made his MLB debut earlier this season for the Cincinnati Reds.
  • On Saturday, April 4, 2026, Lowder recorded another strong outing for the Reds.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 24-year-old right-handed pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who was the team's first-round draft pick in 2022.

Fernando Valenzuela

A legendary left-handed pitcher who played for the Los Angeles Dodgers, known for his dominant start to his MLB career in the early 1980s.

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What they’re saying

“Lowder's hair is the first thing you notice when he takes the mound. But the longer you watch the Cincinnati Reds' right-hander pitch, the more you realize that he's got a lot of talent, too.”

— Billy Heyen, Author

What’s next

Lowder will look to continue his historic start when he takes the mound for the Reds in his next scheduled outing.

The takeaway

Rhett Lowder's dominant start to his MLB career has put him in elite company, drawing comparisons to all-time greats like Fernando Valenzuela. At just 24 years old, the Reds' young right-hander is proving he has the talent and potential to be a frontline starter in the majors for years to come.