Rhett Lowder Faces Command Challenges in Arizona Fall League Start
Cincinnati Reds pitcher Rhett Lowder took the mound for his third start in the Arizona Fall League on Saturday night, showcasing both potential and areas for improvement. Despite grappling with command issues, Lowder’s performance held promise as he navigated through two innings of work.
Lowder, a right-hander, allowed one run on two hits while striking out a batter. His command was less than ideal; he threw only 28 of his 46 pitches for strikes. However, he managed to avoid issuing any walks, a silver lining in an otherwise mixed outing. As a result, Lowder’s ERA in the Fall League stands at a respectable 3.00 after three starts.
Injury Concerns for Top Prospect
The game took a concerning turn when top prospect Alfredo Duno left after being struck in the face mask during the first inning. His status moving forward will be closely monitored, as his health is crucial for the Reds’ future plans.
Offensive Highlights
While Lowder battled on the mound, Leo Balacazar continued to make headlines with his impressive offensive display. The young talent went 4-for-5 with two RBIs, a double, and a stolen base, elevating his batting average to .385 with an OPS of .901 this fall. Balacazar’s performance is placing significant pressure on the Reds’ front office as they consider whether to add him to the 40-man roster.
Cam Collier also contributed offensively, finishing 1-for-6 with an RBI. His efforts, alongside Balacazar’s, helped the Javelinas secure an 11-2 victory, improving their record to 8-7 in the season.
As the Arizona Fall League continues, Lowder and his fellow prospects will look to refine their skills and make an impact, while the Reds organization keeps a close eye on their development for the upcoming season.
