Andrew Abbott

How the Reds’ lefty has demanded attention this year

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2023 saw a parade of high-profile rookies debut for the Cincinnati Reds; the recently acquired Noelvi Marte, first rounder Matt McLain, and the all-world talent of Elly de la Cruz. With fractional hype and expectation, Andrew Abbott debuted with the Reds that summer. A lefty from the University of Virginia, Abbott had dominated in AA Chattanooga and AAA Louisville that year (10 GS, 54 IP, 2.50 ERA). It was too much to not give him a shot.

Fast forwarding to this year, Abbott has established himself as an exceptional pitcher, possibly the number 3 in the rotation behind Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. The confidence and comfort on the mound is showing with results (13 GS, 75.1 IP, 3.38 FIP).

Staying around the zone

Comfort and confidence quantified. Being used to the highest level and executing pitches in a way to stay there is critical. The cliche of learning at the big league level is true. Keeping the ball closer to the zone means Abbott is controlling each at-bat; hitters know they’re getting strikes, and probably in tough spots to hit.

Getting away from the fastball

Going to the fastball less has made it more effective for Abbott. His velocity has never been overpowering (92.2 average), but it has frustrated hitters this season. It’s been a consistent appetizer for hitters, but Abbot has located it better to prevent feasting. Staying on the inner third to jam hitters looking for other pitches has helped the fastball give an illusion of more velocity.

Mixing in the soft stuff

With less of one pitch means more of others. For Abbott, that’s been the changeup and curveball. Keeping the curveball low has fooled many hitters this season, being Abbott’s go-to out pitch. There’s also the changeup, fluttering harmlessly on the outer third, usually off the plate. Mixing in the offspeed pitches will mess with hitters’ timing.

Committing to the outer third

Imagine you’re a major league hitter, seeing triple-digit fastballs daily. You battle, maybe making contact with a few. A guy like Abbott’s velocity is a reset: easier to set timing, and that changeup looks like it belongs in the next state over. You dig into the box, wait for that fluttering change up… and you pop it up. The mental chess of the off-speed thrown outside plays into the psychological aggression a hitter needs to keep up with the velocity of a fastball. Being out in front too early causes pop ups and weak grounders. The lazy flies show Abbott’s focus on the outer third and the lack of hitters sending the ball the other way well.

Andrew Abbott has never had high-velocity stuff. He thrives on out-thinking hitters, messing with timing. It’s allowed him to go deeper into games, and throw some real gems.

That’s definitely attention-worthy.