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 Connor Prielipp
Prielipp's Elite Strikeout Upside Offsets Recent Ratio Speedbumps
The third-place Twins are on a two-game losing streak, but rookie Connor Prielipp remains secure as the number two starter in the rotation. Over his last three starts, the young lefty has struggled with a 7.61 ERA and 1.69 WHIP, though he continues to flash elite upside with 19 strikeouts in 14.2 innings. Minnesota will manage his workload cautiously due to his minor-league injury history, but his role is safe.
While his recent ratios are bloated, Prielipp's underlying talent suggests better days are ahead. Our models project a 4.26 ERA and 1.37 WHIP over the rest of the season, which aligns with his career 1.34 WHIP. The elite strikeout rate of over 10 K/9 is entirely sustainable, meaning his recent run of bad luck is a temporary fluke rather than a long-term trend.
Prielipp has one scheduled start on June 13th at home against the Cardinals. He is slated to face Matthew Liberatore, who carries a vulnerable 4.48 ERA and 1.51 WHIP, making this a prime matchup to exploit for strikeout upside. Verdict: Stream.
Updated 1 day ago
