Trending Now - Reds' Abbott and Seattle's Ace Face Off for Opening Day Start
WHO:
Andrew Abbott, 26, left-hander pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds
Terry Francona, manager of the Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene, right-hander pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds
Andrew Abbott, left-hander pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds
Terry Francona, manager of the Cincinnati Reds
Hunter Greene, right-hander pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds
WHAT:
Abbott was 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 29 starts and 166⅓ innings pitched in 2025.
Abbott had one complete game in the 2025 season.
Abbott expressed, "It's awesome... I know being there and seeing how big of a holiday it’s celebrated, it’s great."
Andrew Abbott has been named the Opening Day starter for the Cincinnati Reds.
Abbott's Opening Day start will be on March 26, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox.
Abbott was selected as an All-Star for the first time in 2025.
Abbott's 2025 season statistics: 10 wins, 7 losses, 2.87 ERA, 166⅓ innings pitched, 29 starts.
Abbott has a career record of 28 wins, 23 losses, 3.42 ERA, 383 strikeouts, 139 walks, and a 1.243 WHIP in 75 games.
WHERE:
The game will take place at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Abbott was in Goodyear, Arizona for Spring Training.
WHEN:
The Opening Day game is scheduled for March 26, 2026.
Abbott made his major league debut in 2023.
Abbott was a second-round draft pick in 2021.
WHY:
Abbott emerged as a front-line starter for the Reds after recovering from a left shoulder injury that affected his 2024 season.
Abbott was chosen as the Opening Day starter due to his performance and emergence as a front-line starter for the Reds.
Hunter Greene is currently sidelined with stiffness in his pitching elbow, which influenced the decision.
HOW:
Abbott was given permission by manager Terry Francona to leave a workout early to attend a NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway.
Abbott received the news of his selection while in the training room getting treatment.
Abbott expressed his excitement and honor in a quote: "I don’t take anything for granted. I’m honored to represent Cincinnati on that day."
(UPDATED March 9, 2026 03:43 UTC)
In a significant moment for the Cincinnati Reds, pitcher Andrew Abbott, who had a standout season with a record of ten wins and seven losses and a 2.87 ERA, was granted permission by manager Terry Francona to leave a workout early to attend a NASCAR Cup race at Phoenix Raceway. Abbott, who emerged as a front-line starter after recovering from a shoulder injury in 2024, expressed his excitement about the event, saying, "It's awesome... I know being there and seeing how big of a holiday it’s celebrated, it’s great." Last season, Abbott made 29 starts and pitched over 166 innings, including one complete game.
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(UPDATED March 9, 2026 01:24 UTC)
Andrew Abbott has been named the Opening Day starter for the Cincinnati Reds, set to take the mound on March 26, 2026, against the Boston Red Sox at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. Abbott, who was selected as an All-Star for the first time in 2025, earned this honor due to his impressive performance, especially with Hunter Greene sidelined by elbow stiffness. He expressed his excitement about the news, saying, "I don’t take anything for granted. I’m honored to represent Cincinnati on that day."