Reds' Rhett Lowder Looks to Continue Stellar Start

Pitcher returns from injury-plagued season to dominate early in 2026 campaign.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 8:46am

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A cubist-style painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in a palette of deep red, navy blue, and forest green, conveying the raw power and athleticism of the sport.Rhett Lowder's return to dominance on the mound has the Reds dreaming of a playoff push in 2026.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Rhett Lowder, who missed the entire 2025 season due to injuries to his right elbow and left oblique, has made a strong comeback in the early part of the 2026 MLB season. Lowder will take the mound against the Miami Marlins, looking to continue his impressive run of form after posting a minuscule 1.23 ERA through his first three starts.

Why it matters

Lowder's return to dominance is a major boost for the Reds, who struggled to a last-place finish in their division last year without their top starting pitcher. If Lowder can stay healthy and maintain his early-season success, it could help propel the Reds back into playoff contention in the competitive National League Central.

The details

After missing the entire 2025 campaign, Lowder has come back with a vengeance in 2026, posting a 1.23 ERA, 0.92 WHIP, and 24 strikeouts in 22 innings across his first three starts. The 27-year-old right-hander is looking to build on his breakout 2024 season, when he made the All-Star team and finished sixth in NL Cy Young voting.

  • Lowder missed the entire 2025 MLB season due to injuries.
  • Lowder will make his fourth start of the 2026 season against the Marlins on April 9.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 27-year-old right-handed starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who is off to a dominant start in 2026 after missing the 2025 season due to injuries.

Cincinnati Reds

A Major League Baseball team based in Cincinnati, Ohio that plays in the National League Central division.

Miami Marlins

A Major League Baseball team based in Miami, Florida that plays in the National League East division.

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What they’re saying

“Rhett has been a huge part of our rotation when healthy, and we're thrilled to see him back at the top of his game after a frustrating year on the sidelines.”

— David Bell, Manager, Cincinnati Reds

What’s next

Lowder will look to continue his strong start when he takes the mound against the Marlins on April 9. If he can maintain his early-season dominance, it could be a sign that he has fully recovered from the injuries that sidelined him in 2025.

The takeaway

Rhett Lowder's comeback from injury has been a bright spot for the Cincinnati Reds early in the 2026 season. If the talented right-hander can stay healthy and keep up his stellar pitching, it could be a major boost for a Reds team looking to rebound from a disappointing 2025 campaign.