Outlook Rhett Lowder
Rhett Lowder returns from the injured list to make a risky weekend start against Arizona.
Reds rookie Rhett Lowder is nearing a return to the rotation after throwing a simulated game and completing rehab following an injury that sidelined him in May. Cincinnati, currently sitting in fifth place in the NL Central and riding a four-game losing streak, desperately needs rotation stability. He is expected to join the active staff this weekend, immediately slotting into the back half of the starting rotation.
Before his injury, the 24-year-old was struggling with a 5.12 ERA and a 1.49 WHIP over nine starts, showing significant regression from his stellar 2024 debut. Our models project a slightly improved rest-of-season path with a 4.44 ERA and a 1.34 WHIP. However, until he curbs his high walk rates, he remains a volatile asset with a wide range of outcomes.
Lowder is projected to make just one start this week, scheduled for Saturday at home against the Diamondbacks. He will face Michael Soroka in a challenging matchup, and our projection expects a modest five-inning outing with elevated ratio risks. Given the threat of rust and a tough opponent, fantasy managers should leave him on the bench. Sit him.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Quinn Priester
Quinn Priester's rehab moves to Arizona as thoracic outlet recovery stalls
Quinn Priester remains sidelined and has not played any recent games as he continues his recovery from right thoracic outlet syndrome. The first-place Brewers, who currently lead the NL Central with a 40-23 record and are riding a three-game win streak, recently shifted Priester's rehab assignment to the rookie-level Arizona Complex League after he struggled in Triple-A. He remains on the 60-day injured list with no firm timetable to rejoin the big-league rotation.
This setback is a major disappointment after Priester's breakout 2025 campaign, where he posted a strong 3.52 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 13 wins over 158.5 innings. While our models project a 4.17 ERA and 1.30 WHIP over 162 innings for the season, those numbers are highly volatile due to his ongoing health issues. Thoracic outlet recovery is notoriously tricky, meaning fantasy managers must temper expectations for him to replicate last year's success anytime soon.
The Brewers have a six-game slate this week against the Athletics and Phillies, but Priester will not be active for any of them. Given that his rehab has been moved back to rookie ball, he is still weeks away from being a viable fantasy option. Keep him stashed in an injured list slot if you have the space, but otherwise, he cannot help your lineup. Verdict: Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
