Three Reds prospects—Alfredo Duno, Chase Petty, and Rhett Lowder—made FanGraphs’ end-of-season Top 100, signaling a strong farm system. Duno’s 2025 breakout in the Florida State League, leading in OPS, home runs, RBIs, runs, doubles, walks, OBP, and SLG, sparks optimism for a fast-track ascent, with an AFL stint and a likely 2026 start in High-A Dayton. Petty, at 22, battled in Triple-A and briefly in the majors, posting tough numbers that temper expectations but keep him in the long-term plan. Lowder’s season was riddled by injuries, from forearm strain to oblique and shoulder issues, delaying progress but setting up an AFL return and a potential 2026 rotation shot.

Hunter Greene, the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day starter, is on the path to recovery after a Grade 1 groin strain sidelined him since May 7. He’s set to start a minor-league rehab assignment and could return by early August. Meanwhile, Rhett Lowder, a promising right-hander, is making slow progress after recovering from an oblique strain but may not be ready to contribute this season. Carson Spiers is also under scrutiny for biceps soreness, which halted his rehab assignment. His status remains uncertain as he deals with shoulder impingement.

Rhett Lowder, a promising pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds, is facing a lengthy recovery due to a significant left oblique strain. This injury occurred during a start for Triple-A Louisville, where Lowder exited in the second inning after just 12 pitches. Despite initial attempts to pitch through discomfort, he ultimately aggravated the injury, prompting manager Terry Francona to comment on its severity and uncertain recovery timeline.

Lowder, a first-round draft pick in 2023, made a strong impression in his limited MLB appearances, posting a 1.17 ERA over six starts. His absence could impact the Reds’ strong rotation, which features Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott, among others. The situation amplifies the challenges for the Reds as they aim to maintain their competitiveness in the National League.

The Cincinnati Reds are facing a setback with starting pitcher Rhett Lowder, who has been diagnosed with a "fairly significant" left oblique strain after an early exit during his start for Triple-A Louisville. This development comes during a tumultuous rehab process that initially began in the Arizona Complex League. Lowder, the Reds' first-round pick in 2023, previously impressed in his brief stint in the major leagues, boasting a 1.17 ERA over six starts.

With Lowder's injury, the Reds' pitching depth is tested further, following the recent placement of Carson Spiers on the 60-day injured list. Currently, the Reds' rotation features notable arms such as Hunter Greene and Andrew Abbott, both of whom are performing well. However, if Lowder's recovery takes longer than anticipated, it could severely limit the Reds' options as they look to maintain their competitive edge in a tight National League race.