Andrew Abbott is one of the many young Cincinnati Reds players in their sophomore season for 2024, and he had a strong season debut. Last season, Abbott made his debut in early July. For a stretch lasting a few months, Andrew Abbott was arguably the Reds top starter. His season ended on a bit of a slippery slope. Most of his late-season struggles were credited to “running out of gas.”
2024 has high hopes for Andrew Abbott, however. During spring training, it was unknown if Abbott would make the Opening Day rotation or not. After the addition of Nick Martinez and Opening Day starter Frankie Montas, Abbott suddenly was fighting for a spot in the five-man crew. During spring training, Abbott’s stats were not so pretty. Of course, one should take spring stats with a grain of salt. When it was known publicly that Brandon Williamson was starting the year on the injured list, Abbott was given a spot in the rotation.
Andrew Abbott Looks Strong in Season Debut
For his opening game of 2024, Andrew Abbott took on the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on Monday night. Coming off a walk-off win on Sunday, momentum was riding high for the Reds. Abbott took the hill in the first with the game still scoreless. A leadoff single followed by a walk set the Phillies offense up early. Eventually in the inning, both runners moved into scoring position. Both runs would score on a weak hit off the end of Alec Bohm‘s bat.
Just gotta make contact sometimes
pic.twitter.com/R3gJpxjgo2
— Philadelphia Phillies (@Phillies) April 1, 2024
After recording the third out of the inning, Abbott settled in for the rest of his outing. Putting a final line of 5 1/3 innings pitched, three hits, two walks, and just the two runs allowed. Andrew Abbott also struck out four Phillies on the night. Of those four strikeouts, two came from his changeup, and one each for the fastball and curveball.
Andrew Abbott, Nasty 85mph Changeup.
pic.twitter.com/v2PmQU4EKa
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 1, 2024
Earning His Spot in the Rotation
Andrew Abbott can be a big part of the Cincinnati Reds rotation in 2024. Limiting his walks allowed and keeping the pitch count down will be his key. This was a tough Phillies lineup Abbott faced for his first time out. He managed to work into the sixth inning on just 90 pitches. Frankie Montas is the only other Reds starter to reach the sixth inning through the first four games. Expect Andrew Abbott to continue to post good outings this season. He has proven himself to be able to do so.
Photo Credit: © Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
The post Young Reds Star Dazzles in Season Debut appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.