Abbott allowed four runs on seven hits and struck out two over three innings in Monday's spring start against the Athletics.

EDGE Analysis

The A's jumped on Abbott early, touching him up for three runs and five hits in the first inning, including Shea Langeliers' three-run home run. The left-hander met with more trouble in the third when he gave up singles to the first two hitters, leading to the fourth run. Abbott is in the mix for the final spot of the rotation; however, there could be two open slots depending on how Nick Lodolo (lower leg) progresses.

Abbott is battling with Nick Martinez, and to a lesser extent, Brandon Williamson, for the Reds' fifth starter job, Charlie Goldsmith of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Abbott is off to a good start this spring, but it's noteworthy that his spot in the rotation isn't a sure thing. The way the job battle has been framed by Goldsmith is that Hunter Greene, Frankie Montas, Nick Lodolo and Graham Ashcraft all have spots provided they are healthy. However, Lodolo, Montas and Ashcraft are all coming back from injury, so this situation is pretty fluid.

Abbott struck out one over two scoreless innings in Monday's Cactus League start against Seattle.

EDGE Analysis

Abbott tossed two perfect innings and was done after 22 pitches. The right-hander was so efficient that he needed additional pitches in the bullpen following his departure. Of note, Abbott's fastball consistently hit 94 mph (and touched 95), a development he said has never come this early in spring, per Mark Sheldon of MLB.com. Abbott's main focus for 2024 is being more consistent with his curveball and changeup and getting deeper into games. He walked 3.6 batters per nine innings in 2023, so landing those two pitches in the zone should help extend outings. The 24-year-old also worked on conditioning and weight training, which he hopes will keep him stronger throughout the season. Abbott fell off in the second half last year, posting a 6.42 ERA over his final 11 starts.

Abbott is scheduled to make his first Cactus League start Monday in a split-squad game versus the Mariners, Mark Sheldon of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Though his performance faded over the second half of the season, Abbott still submitted a promising rookie campaign in 2023, compiling a 3.87 ERA, 1.32 WHIP and 120:44 K:BB over 109.1 innings. While Cincinnati beefed up its starting depth in the offseason with the additions of Frankie Montas and Nick Martinez -- in addition to the expected return of Nick Lodolo (tibia) from injury -- Abbott's spot in the Reds' Opening Day rotation still seems to be fairly secure.

Abbott (8-6) took the loss Wednesday, allowing three runs on eight hits over 2.1 innings against Cleveland. He struck out one and did not walk a batter.

EDGE Analysis

Abbot ran into trouble early on after surrendering a leadoff double to Ramon Laureano to open the second. The lefty allowed five consecutive hits to start the frame and then gave up hits to two of the first three batters he faced in the third before being relieved by Daniel Duarte. Abbot has now failed to make it through five innings in four consecutive starts while his one strikeout Wednesday marked a season low. He's also lost his last three decisions and now holds a 6.10 ERA in September.

Abbott (8-5) did not factor into the decision Friday, allowing two runs on four hits and two walks over 4.1 innings in a 7-5 loss against the Pirates. He struck out seven.

EDGE Analysis

Abbott mostly cruised through the first three innings before serving up a solo homer to Ke'Bryan Hayes in the top of the fourth and an additional solo shot to Henry Davis in the top of the fifth. The rookie left-hander still managed to generate a lot of whiffs and will carry a respectable 3.70 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 119:44 K:BB into his final regular-season start next week at Cleveland.

Abbott came away with a no-decision Saturday in the Reds' 3-2 win over the Mets, giving up two runs on six hits and three walks over 3.2 innings. He struck out five.

EDGE Analysis

The rookie southpaw tossed an inefficient 91 pitches (54 strikes) before getting the hook after serving up a pair of doubles in the bottom of the fourth inning, missing out on his ninth win of the season in the process. Abbott has failed to complete more than four innings in four of his last five starts, stumbling to a 6.33 ERA, 1.83 WHIP and 24:15 K:BB through 21.1 innings over that stretch, but the Reds don't have any better rotation options as they try to hang onto a wild-card spot in the NL. He lines up to take the mound next at home against the Pirates next weekend.

Abbott's next start will come during the series against the Mets that opens Friday in New York, Gordon Wittenmyer of the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Reds manager David Bell said that Abbott will start Friday or Saturday.

EDGE Analysis

Bell is trying to manage Abbott's workload. The rookie left-hander blew past his previous career high in innings (118.0) in early August and is up to 153 in 2023. The workload appears to be affecting Abbott's performance, as the 24-year-old has a 6.51 ERA with 42 hits and 20 walks allowed over his last 37.1 innings.

Abbott will not start for the Reds on Wednesday in Detroit in what would be his next turn in the rotation, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Abbott's 153 innings between the majors and minors this season is already 35 frames past his previous career high, and he's looked of late like he might be hitting a wall with a 6.51 ERA over his last eight starts. The Reds currently have TBD listed for Thursday, and it's possible Abbott winds up taking the ball that day. For now, though, his next scheduled start looks to be up in the air.

Abbott (8-5) took the loss Friday, allowing six runs on four hits and three walks over four innings against St. Louis. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

After a stellar 1.90 ERA and 66:19 K:BB in 61.2 innings over his first 10 starts, Abbott has struggled mightily of late. The 24-year-old rookie sports a 6.51 ERA with 41:20 K:BB in 37.1 innings over his last eight starts. Abbott looks to right the ship in his next outing, scheduled to be at Detroit.