Reds Pitcher Rhett Lowder Matches Valenzuela's Historic Feat

Cincinnati Reds' young ace Rhett Lowder continues his record-breaking start to the season.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:36am

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball pitcher's windup and delivery, with sharp, overlapping planes of scarlet red and navy blue representing the raw power and precision of Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder's historic start to the season.The Reds' young ace Rhett Lowder continues to shatter franchise records and join the ranks of baseball's all-time greats.Cincinnati Today

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder, 24, has etched his name in the history books by lowering his career ERA to 1.30 through eight starts, a franchise record. Lowder has also matched a feat previously achieved only by legendary pitcher Fernando Valenzuela, tying the record for most scoreless starts of at least five innings through a pitcher's first eight career starts since 1900.

Why it matters

Lowder's remarkable performance at such a young age is a testament to his talent, maturity, and resilience. After missing the entire 2025 season due to injury, the young ace has returned with a vengeance, rewriting the Reds' record books and joining the ranks of elite pitchers like Valenzuela. This level of dominance from a 24-year-old is incredibly rare and has the potential to shape the future of the Reds franchise.

The details

In his second start of the 2026 season, Lowder held the Texas Rangers to just three two-out singles, striking out four and retiring 13 of the last 15 batters he faced. His exceptional control and precision on the mound have been key to his success, as he has displayed a veteran-like approach despite his young age.

  • Lowder made his MLB debut in 2024, posting a 1.17 ERA in six starts.
  • Lowder missed the entire 2025 season due to a forearm strain and oblique injury.
  • Lowder lowered his career ERA to 1.30 through eight starts in the 2026 season.

The players

Rhett Lowder

A 24-year-old pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who has broken the franchise record for the lowest career ERA through eight starts and matched a historic feat set by Fernando Valenzuela.

Fernando Valenzuela

A legendary pitcher who won the Cy Young Award and Rookie of the Year in 1981, and previously held the record for the most scoreless starts of at least five innings through a pitcher's first eight career starts since 1900.

Terry Francona

The manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who praised Lowder's maturity and composure on the mound.

Jose Trevino

The catcher for the Cincinnati Reds, who highlighted Lowder's exceptional command and versatility, noting his ability to throw any pitch at any time.

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What they’re saying

“He's a pretty mature kid.”

— Terry Francona, Reds Manager

“That's pretty cool, but I just want to keep going and keep winning.”

— Rhett Lowder

What’s next

Lowder will look to continue his historic start when he takes the mound for his next scheduled outing against the Los Angeles Dodgers on April 17th.

The takeaway

Lowder's remarkable start to the 2026 season has cemented his status as one of the most promising young pitchers in baseball, and his ability to match the historic feats of legends like Fernando Valenzuela has the potential to shape the future of the Reds franchise for years to come.