The Cincinnati Reds have announced that their promising young right-handed pitcher, Rhett Lowder, will be placed on the 15-day injured list. This decision follows an injury to his throwing shoulder, as confirmed by manager Terry Francona. The team is opting for a cautious approach, prioritizing Lowder's long-term health and career over a quick return, hoping that a few weeks of rest and recovery will be highly beneficial for the rookie.
Lowder, at 24 years old, recently received an injection in the AC joint of his right shoulder. This medical intervention came after an MRI on Friday showed no severe structural damage, confirming the team's decision to manage the injury with a focus on comprehensive rehabilitation rather than a temporary fix. Francona articulated the organization's philosophy, stating their desire for Lowder to have an extended and uninterrupted career, underscoring the importance of this recovery period.
The announcement comes on the heels of a challenging outing for Lowder against the Chicago Cubs. In that game, he pitched three innings, surrendering three runs on a single hit, which was a home run, and issuing four walks. This performance resulted in a loss, bringing his season record to 3-3 with an earned run average of 5.40 across eight starts. Prior to this, Lowder held a career record of 5-5 with a 3.52 ERA over 14 starts for the Reds.
This period on the injured list is expected to allow Lowder to fully recover and strengthen his shoulder, addressing the issue without rushing him back to competitive play. The organization believes that taking this time now will prevent future recurrences and enable him to perform at his best for many years to come.
In essence, the Cincinnati Reds are prioritizing the sustainable career of their young talent, Rhett Lowder, by placing him on the injured list for a shoulder issue. This strategic decision aims to facilitate a thorough recovery, ensuring that the pitcher can return to the mound in optimal condition and continue to develop as a key asset for the team.