Wake Forest Athletics
Rhett Lowder Set to Make MLB Debut with the Cincinnati Reds
8/30/2024 11:12:00 AM | Baseball
Lowder becomes the 44th Demon Deacon to reach the big leagues and the ninth during head coach Tom Walter’s tenure.
WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. - Two-time ACC Pitcher of the Year Rhett Lowder will make his major league debut just 418 days after being selected with the seventh pick of the 2023 MLB Draft, as the Cincinnati Reds selected his contract on Friday.
"It's a big day for Rhett, his family and the Wake Forest family," head coach Tom Walter said. "We'll be watching and cheering him on from our team retreat with Team 111. Tonight will be the start of a long and prosperous major league career. We couldn't be more proud of Rhett and his quick ascension to the league.
The development of players under Walter looms large, as Lowder becomes the ninth player to reach the league under his tutelage and the seventh in the last four years.
He joins Tim Cooney (Apr. 30, 2015), Mac Williamson (Sept. 23, 2015), Will Craig (Aug. 27, 2020), Gavin Sheets (June 29, 2021), Stuart Fairchild (July 6, 2021), Nate Mondou (Oct. 4, 2022), Jared Shuster (Apr. 2, 2023) and Parker Dunshee (Aug. 8, 2024)
Lowder becomes the first member of the record breaking 2023 MLB Draft class to reach the league.
Additionally, Wake became just the second team in NCAA Baseball history with three selections in the top 10 picks of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Lowder finished his historic 2023 setting new single-season program records for wins (15), strikeouts (143), win-loss percentage (15-0) and led the Deacs to a program record in wins (54) and a spot in the Men's College World Series.
His 15 victories led the nation while ranking fourth nationally in ERA (1.87) and strikeouts (143) and eighth in WHIP (.95). He completed the regular season as the conference's leader in ERA (1.73), wins (12), innings pitched (88.2) and strikeouts (108).
A first-round draft pick of the Reds a year ago, Lowder made 22 professional appearances ascending from High-A to start the year. He's logged six wins and has 113 strikeouts in 108.2 innings.
Starting the 2024 campaign with the Dayton Dragons (High-A Affiliate), Lowder moved up quickly, posting a 2.49 ERA over 25.1 innings pitched. Lowder found his groove with the Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A Affiliate), mowing down the competition over his last six starts at the level. Over 34.0 IP, Lowder posted a 1.06 ERA with 29 strikeouts and just seven walks.
In his lone appearance with the Louisville Bats (Triple-A Affiliate), Lowder was lights out, tossing 6.0 innings of three-hit ball without allowing a run and punching out seven.
Since July 20, he has allowed just two earned runs and struck out 34 batters across 35.0 innings.
Lowder and the Reds are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers at 6:40 p.m. ET today.
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"It's a big day for Rhett, his family and the Wake Forest family," head coach Tom Walter said. "We'll be watching and cheering him on from our team retreat with Team 111. Tonight will be the start of a long and prosperous major league career. We couldn't be more proud of Rhett and his quick ascension to the league.
The development of players under Walter looms large, as Lowder becomes the ninth player to reach the league under his tutelage and the seventh in the last four years.
He joins Tim Cooney (Apr. 30, 2015), Mac Williamson (Sept. 23, 2015), Will Craig (Aug. 27, 2020), Gavin Sheets (June 29, 2021), Stuart Fairchild (July 6, 2021), Nate Mondou (Oct. 4, 2022), Jared Shuster (Apr. 2, 2023) and Parker Dunshee (Aug. 8, 2024)
Lowder becomes the first member of the record breaking 2023 MLB Draft class to reach the league.
Additionally, Wake became just the second team in NCAA Baseball history with three selections in the top 10 picks of the 2024 MLB Draft.
Lowder finished his historic 2023 setting new single-season program records for wins (15), strikeouts (143), win-loss percentage (15-0) and led the Deacs to a program record in wins (54) and a spot in the Men's College World Series.
His 15 victories led the nation while ranking fourth nationally in ERA (1.87) and strikeouts (143) and eighth in WHIP (.95). He completed the regular season as the conference's leader in ERA (1.73), wins (12), innings pitched (88.2) and strikeouts (108).
A first-round draft pick of the Reds a year ago, Lowder made 22 professional appearances ascending from High-A to start the year. He's logged six wins and has 113 strikeouts in 108.2 innings.
Starting the 2024 campaign with the Dayton Dragons (High-A Affiliate), Lowder moved up quickly, posting a 2.49 ERA over 25.1 innings pitched. Lowder found his groove with the Chattanooga Lookouts (Double-A Affiliate), mowing down the competition over his last six starts at the level. Over 34.0 IP, Lowder posted a 1.06 ERA with 29 strikeouts and just seven walks.
In his lone appearance with the Louisville Bats (Triple-A Affiliate), Lowder was lights out, tossing 6.0 innings of three-hit ball without allowing a run and punching out seven.
Since July 20, he has allowed just two earned runs and struck out 34 batters across 35.0 innings.
Lowder and the Reds are set to face the Milwaukee Brewers at 6:40 p.m. ET today.
Follow The Deacs
GoDeacs.com | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook
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