Lowder (elbow) will begin a throwing progression Monday, Charlie Goldsmith of Charlie's Chalkboard reports.

Lowder (elbow) is being handled cautiously to the point where he may not be ready by Opening Day, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports. "I wouldn't even put an artificial timetable on him," manager Terry Francona said on Saturday. "Everybody shoots for Opening Day. I get it; I do, too. We need to do what's right by him, and we will. So that's kind of our timetable."

Lowder's throwing program is being limited due to right elbow soreness, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

The Reds currently have (at least) six starters that could be on the Opening Day roster, following the Brady Singer trade, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports. In addition to Singer, there's Hunter Greene, Nick Martinez, Nick Lodolo, Andrew Abbott and Lowder.

Lowder did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 3-0 loss to the Cubs, allowing three hits and three walks with one strikeout over five scoreless innings.

Lowder (2-1) got the win Saturday against the Pirates, allowing five hits and two walks while striking out four over five scoreless innings.

Lowder (1-2) was saddled with the loss Sunday, allowing three runs on six hits and one walk across 5.1 innings against the Twins. He struck out five.

Lowder did not factor into the decision Thursday against Houston, allowing four hits and four walks over 6.1 scoreless innings. He struck out three.

Lowder is scheduled to start Thursday's game against the Astros in Cincinnati.

The Reds selected Lowder's contract from Triple-A Louisville on Friday.