Andrew Abbott is ready to lead the Reds.
The Cincinnati Reds were dealt an unfortunate blow during spring training when it was revealed that ace Hunter Greene would be out until July due to an injury. Andrew Abbott was later announced as the Opening Day starting pitcher as a result. The 26-year-old has performed well in recent years, but how would he pitch in the ace role? Well, he answered that question on Thursday.
The Reds were defeated 3-0 by the Boston Red Sox on Opening Day. Abbott, however, found himself in a pitcher's duel with Garrett Crochet. Both pitchers turned in six shutout innings. Abbott struck out four hitters as well.
The Reds' ultimately lost the game as the offense failed to find success and the bullpen allowed a few runs, but Abbott looked tremendous.
Andrew Abbott's Opening Day Start
Abbott threw his fastball most of the time at 54 percent. He located it well and it worked as a setup pitch. His curveball and changeup -- which he threw 24 percent and 13 percent of the time in that order -- generated 25 percent and 50 percent whiff rates.
His fastball was effective despite it not being especially fast. He averaged between 92-94 mph on the pitch. It was his breaking pitches that led to the swing and miss, though.
With that being said, Abbott was able to freeze hitters with his offspeed pitches. Overall, his curveball and changeups generated 35 percent and 36 percent called strikes and whiffs percentages.
Abbott also mixed in a sweeper on occasion. He only threw it eight percent of the time, but the pitch did give hitters a different look at the plate.
Overall, Abbott did an impressive job of utilizing his pitches and limiting runs. He did everything he could to give the Reds an opportunity to win the game. Cincinnati ultimately lost to Boston, but Abbott proved he can handle the ace role while Greene is out.
The Reds' pitching is their strength, while the offense has question marks. In fact, Thursday's contest could display what is to come if the lineup does not find consistency. With that said, the Reds may have enough talent to compete, as long as the offense provides enough run support to help the pitchers.
The Reds will look to jump into the win column in their next game on Saturday afternoon against the Red Sox in Cincinnati. First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 PM EST.