Lowder exits Reds-Cubs finale with right shoulder discomfort
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CHICAGO -- It's been a rough seven-game road trip for the Reds, and it only got rougher during Thursday's 8-3 loss against the Cubs at Wrigley Field when starting pitcher Rhett Lowder exited early with right shoulder discomfort.
As Cincinnati trailed, 1-0, Lowder issued back-to-back walks to open the bottom of the fourth inning and showed something that brought manager Terry Francona and head trainer Sean McQueeney to the mound. After a brief conversation, Lowder walked to the dugout.
Reliever Connor Phillips replaced Lowder, who is the fourth Reds starter to deal with an injury this season. Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo and Brandon Williamson are all on the injured list, although Lodolo is scheduled to return Friday and make his 2026 debut after being out since March 22 with a blister on his left index finger.
Lowder gave up a two-out solo home run to Michael Conforto in the second for the only hit against him. Over three-plus innings, he was charged with three runs with four walks and one strikeout after Phillips gave up four hits, five runs and a walk in what became a seven-run fourth inning.