Cincinnati Reds play host to Detroit Tigers this weekend in GABP

TL;DR

The Cincinnati Reds will host the Detroit Tigers this weekend at Great American Ball Park. The series features notable pitchers Andrew Abbott and Framber Valdez, with games scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Key points

Cincinnati Reds host Detroit Tigers this weekend
Games scheduled for Friday, Saturday, and Sunday
Andrew Abbott struggles in recent starts
Framber Valdez to pitch for Tigers on Friday
Reds rank 4th in MLB for homers off left-handed pitchers

Cincinnati RedsDetroit TigersAndrew AbbottFramber Valdez

DETROIT, MI - JUNE 15: Elly De La Cruz #44 of the Cincinnati Reds rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run in the ninth inning during the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park on Sunday, June 15, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Monica Bradburn/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

Cincinnati Reds lefty Andrew Abbott went toe to toe with Boston Red Sox ace Garrett Crochet on Opening Day in Great American Ball Park, and did so admirably. Abbott fired 6.0 IP of scoreless ball for the Reds, scattering 7 hits and a walk while striking out 4 in an 83 pitch effort that kept the Reds otherwise inept offense within striking distance of a comeback (even though that didn’t pan out). In the four starts since then, however, Abbott has looked a shell of his All-Star self. He’s only managed to clear 18.2 IP in that span, and has been tagged with 17 runs (16 earned) with a near equal 11/10 K/BB. Next up for Abbott is the lineup of the Detroit Tigers, as that’s who is in town this weekend as the Reds celebrate their newest inductees into their team Hall of Fame. Detroit, to date, owns a .308 wOBA and 93 wRC+ against left-handed pitching so far in the early going of 2026, marks that both rank 18th in the league in their respective categories. They have, however, swatted only 3 dingers off southpaws this season, and only two teams can claim fewer homers in said category (the Marlins with 2 and Padres with 0, somehow). The Reds, for the record, rank 4th in Major League Baseball with 12 homers off LHP – thanks, Elly! Cincinnati will be up against an All-Star lefty themselves in the series opener on Friday as veteran gets the start. He was mauled by the for 8 ER in 5.0 IP in his start against them on April 8th, yet in his other four starts combined he’s yielded 1 ER or fewer in each (3 ER total in 25.0 IP), so odds are the Reds are going to be up against it a bit. Fortunately for the Reds, all-world ace pitched yesterday in the series finale between the Tigers and . So, he won’t feature in this particular series. First pitch on Friday is set for 6:40 PM ET. will toe the rubber on Saturday at 7:15 PM ET (after the team’s big HoF induction ceremony), while will start on Sunday in the series finale at 1:40 PM ET.

Q&A

What time do the Cincinnati Reds play the Detroit Tigers this weekend?

The Reds will play the Tigers on Friday at 6:40 PM ET, Saturday at 7:15 PM ET, and Sunday at 1:40 PM ET.

Who are the starting pitchers for the Reds vs Tigers series?

Andrew Abbott will pitch for the Reds on Friday, followed by Brady Singer on Saturday and Rhett Lowder on Sunday.

How has Andrew Abbott performed recently for the Cincinnati Reds?

Andrew Abbott has struggled in his last four starts, allowing 17 runs over 18.2 innings pitched.