Rhett Lowder has progressed to throwing bullpen sessions.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder had been shut down from throwing since last month. He could be ready to return by the end of April or start of May.

The Reds placed Rhett Lowder on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to right elbow soreness.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder impressed late last season with a 1.17 ERA over six starts, but elbow discomfort slowed his throwing progression this spring, and he never appeared in a Cactus League game. He's reportedly nearing bullpen work, but he'll need time to ramp up before beginning a rehab assignment. Once healthy, Lowder could be optioned to Triple-A Louisville given his remaining minor-league eligibility, though a return to the Reds' rotation remains on the table later this season.

Rhett Lowder (shoulder) has been throwing off flat ground for the last few weeks since being cleared by the medical staff, per team reports.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder, 23, sees mound work nearing—progressing sans timeline after a shoulder snag, his rotation hopes dim, pointing to an IL start then Triple-A Louisville; his 1.17 ERA over six late-2024 starts (30.2 innings) dazzles still. Fantasy managers in dynasty leagues should stash him; that arm’s a gem waiting to shine.

Reds manager Terry Francona said Rhett Lowder "feels good" and is "excited about where he is."

Fantasy Impact

Lowder began a throwing progression on Monday. "It’s going to take a while to ramp back up if we do this appropriately," Francona said. "When you see him feeling good, the time table is going to work itself out. The fact that he feels good is what’s important.”

Rhett Lowder is starting a throwing progression on Monday.

Fantasy Impact

Lowder is working his way back from dealing with elbow soreness. "I hit a hiccup, but I feel great with where I'm at now," Lowder said. "It was a blessing in disguise. It opened a light to things I need to work on with my body that I didn't know about."