The Cincinnati Reds' pitching staff has taken another hit, as rookie right-hander Rhett Lowder is the latest arm headed to the injured list. While the move hadn't been officially finalized as of manager Terry Francona's May 10 media session, Francona confirmed that the 23-year-old will be placed on the 15-day IL.

Lowder's injury stems from shoulder discomfort that forced him out of his May 7 start against the Chicago Cubs. The team decided to place him on the IL after evaluating his long-toss session prior to Cincinnati's May 9 game at Great American Ball Park. It's been a rough stretch for the young pitcher, who was also roughed up by the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 2, allowing eight runs in less than two innings.

"It's not been done yet, but our thought was we're trying not to put a bandaid on something," Francona said. "We want this kid to be able to pitch, and pitch for a long time and not get interrupted. So hopefully, a couple weeks down will do him a world of good." Francona added that Lowder can still throw during his IL stint, though it likely won't be off a mound in the short term.

The Lowder news comes on the heels of a bright spot for the Reds: the return of Nick Lodolo, who started the May 8 series opener against the Houston Astros. While Lodolo allowed four runs—all on two two-run homers—the outing was seen as a solid starting point for his comeback. But with Lowder now sidelined, Cincinnati's rotation depth is being tested. Staff ace Hunter Greene remains months away from returning from March elbow surgery, and No. 5 starter Brandon Williamson is on the 60-day IL.

As the Reds navigate these challenges, Opening Day starter Andrew Abbott took the mound on May 10 for another turn through the rotation. With Brady Singer initially slotted as the No. 2 starter on Opening Day, the Reds will need to lean on their depth and hope for quick recoveries to keep their season on track.