Reds Injury Update: Greene Nears Return, Lowder Sets Bullpen Date, Spiers Faces Setback

The Cincinnati Reds open a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night at Great American Ball Park. Ahead of the series opener, Reds manager Terry Francona met with reporters to provide key injury updates on pitchers Rhett Lowder, Hunter Greene, and Carson Spiers.

Hunter Greene, who landed on the injured list with a groin strain earlier this month, recently took a positive step forward. He tossed two innings in a rehab appearance with the ACL Reds this week and came out of it feeling good. He’s now scheduled to continue his rehab with Triple-A Louisville on Tuesday, where he’s expected to throw around 55 pitches. If all goes well, a return to Cincinnati’s rotation could follow soon after.

Top pitching prospect Rhett Lowder, sidelined all season with an oblique strain, has resumed throwing. However, he’s still a few weeks away from taking the mound in a game setting — his first bullpen session is currently set for August 17.

As for Carson Spiers, his recovery hit a bump. After experiencing bicep soreness during his rehab assignment, he was pulled and returned to Cincinnati. Francona expressed some concern about the right-hander’s condition, noting that Spiers will now seek a second medical opinion to determine the next steps.

With the Reds still firmly in the National League Wild Card race, the health of their pitching staff remains a critical storyline heading into the final stretch of the season.