Rhett Lowder made his first rehab start since landing on the injured list on May 13 with right shoulder pain.
After throwing a simulated game last Wednesday, Lowder toed the rubber for Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday. The right-hander allowed three runs and six hits across five innings and threw 50 of 70 pitches for strikes. Lowder struck out eight batters and didn’t issue a walk.
It’s unclear what step is next -- whether it’s another rehab start or an outing in the Majors -- but tossing 70 pitches is a good start towards getting back to the Reds' rotation. With injuries plaguing Cincinnati's roster -- Elly De La Cruz, Hunter Greene and Graham Ashcraft are just some of the other players on the injured list -- Lowder’s return to the Majors would be some much-needed good news for the Reds.