Reds set rotation for Chase Petty recall as Rhett Lowder heads to IL

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Reds are set to recall Chase Petty to replace Rhett Lowder, who is heading to the injured list. The rotation for the upcoming series against the Washington Nationals includes Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and Chase Burns, with Petty likely starting on Friday.

Key points

Cincinnati Reds recall Chase Petty
Rhett Lowder placed on 15-day injured list
Upcoming rotation includes Brady Singer, Nick Lodolo, and Chase Burns

Cincinnati RedsWashington NationalsHouston AstrosCleveland

May 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Chase Petty (61) delivers a pitch against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images | Kamil Krzaczynski-Imagn Images The Cincinnati Reds have the day off on Monday after Sunday afternoon’s series-winning victory over the Houston Astros. They also have a much clearer picture of how their banged-up starting rotation will look this upcoming week as they welcome the Washington Nationals to Cincinnati before heading up to Cleveland for a series over the weekend. According to C. Trent Rosecrans of The Athletic, the Reds have leaned on today’s day off to shuffle their healthy starters in a way that will accommodate the loss of Rhett Lowder to the 15-day injured list, a move that’s expected to be announced prior to the start of Tuesday’s game against the Nationals. It will feature Brady Singer in the opener on Tuesday, on Wednesday, and on Thursday, with Friday’s opener on the road against Cleveland listed as ‘TBD.’ Chase Petty threw 79 pitches in 3.2 IP for the AAA Louisville Bats just yesterday in his first start back at the level after being recalled to start last Monday’s series opener for the Reds against the Chicago Cubs. Given how much more advanced he looked in the start in Wrigley relative to the struggles he went through in his initial call-up last season, it would be a shocker if Petty were not recalled to take Lowder’s turn in the rotation on Friday – especially now that it will be on his regular rest. Cincinnati could also opt to keep on regular rest and pitch him on Friday, and even add Petty to pitch Saturday and give the youngster an extra day of rest before his return to the bigs. What remains to be seen is how the Reds juggle the few days in between. In all likelihood, they’ll recall one of , , or Jose Franco to bridge the gap to Petty and give them depth in the bullpen for the series against the Nats. Franco threw 22 pitches yesterday for AAA Louisville in a scoreless pair of IP, while Nicolas allowed a trio of hits and a walk (and 3 runs, somehow all unearned) in 1.1 IP and 35 pitches. Maxwell, meanwhile, hasn’t pitched since May 8th when he threw 25 pitches in a pair of perfect innings against the Nashville Sounds. We’ll find out before tomorrow’s first pitch!

Q&A

Why is Rhett Lowder going to the injured list?

Rhett Lowder is heading to the injured list due to a shoulder injury.

Who will start for the Reds against the Washington Nationals?

Brady Singer will start on Tuesday, Nick Lodolo on Wednesday, and Chase Burns on Thursday.

What is Chase Petty's recent performance before his recall?

Chase Petty threw 79 pitches in 3.2 innings for the AAA Louisville Bats in his last start.