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.