Cincinnati Reds starting pitchers have logged 200.2 IP so far this year, a mark that’s good for the 5th most in all of Major League Baseball. That unit ranks among the Top 7 in each of K/9, BB/9, average fastball velocity, and fWAR through the first month-plus of the season, and has been a bedrock on which this roster has attempted to chase a playoff spot.
So, it’s easy to forget (a bit) that Rhett Lowder, their former 1st round pick and top prospect (according to many) hadn’t thrown a single pitch in a professional game so far this season due to lingering elbow/forearm issues.