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Cincinnati Reds: Rotation still warming up but doing its part
TL;DR
The Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation is underperforming but has kept the team competitive, leading to their best start since 2006. Injuries to key pitchers Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo have impacted performance, but Andrew Abbott is stepping up despite challenges.
Key points
- Cincinnati Reds' rotation is underperforming.
- Team off to best start since 2006.
- Hunter Greene expected to return in July.
- Nick Lodolo is starting a rehab assignment.
- Andrew Abbott is facing challenges but remains committed.
Cincinnati RedsHunter GreeneNick LodoloAndrew Abbott
Apr. 30—Entering the season, the Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation looked like the strength of the team, and one of the best in baseball.
Through the first month of the season, the rotation hasn't produced at that level. But the unit has done enough to keep the Reds in games with the team off to its best start since 2006.
The Reds have missed the presences of Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo, who are on the injured list. While Lodolo is beginning a rehab assignment and approaching a return to the big leagues, Greene continues to rehab at the Reds' spring training complex with a return expected in July.
Andrew Abbott stepped up in their absences and started Opening Day, and this hasn't been an ideal time for his worst month as a big leaguer.
"It's been a tough start," Abbott said. "I was talking to Pierce (Johnson) and the veterans on the team. They say you've just got to ride the wave and keep showing up, keep being available, keep throwing innings. That's what I'm going to do. I know things aren't going well for me personally. The team is winning. We're in the games. We had a chance to win it. If that's what I can do, that's all I ask for."
While Abbott has a 6.59 ERA, the Reds have won three of his last four starts.
To bounce back, he has focused on his mechanics and his command.
"I'm trying to eliminate the lulls in the inning," Abbott said. "Lulling in the one particular game, that can't happen. I want to take that out."
Brady Singer, the Reds' highest-paid pitcher, has a 4.97 ERA. While his velocity isn't what he expects it to be and while he's struggling to put hitters away, he's also doing enough to put the Reds in position to win even when he doesn't have his best stuff.
"You try not to freak out this early in the season," Singer said. "But you constantly work on stuff. We'll work on stuff this week through the end of September."
The most exciting pitchers in the rotation have been the young guys, Rhett Lowder and Chase Burns.
Lowder has shown an impressive ability to bounce back from shaky first innings in his two most-recent appearances. It's another example of the veteran poise that he brings to the table, which is impressive considering this is his first full year in the big leagues.
Q&A
What is the current status of the Cincinnati Reds' starting rotation?
The starting rotation is not performing at its expected level but has managed to keep the team competitive.
When are Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo expected to return from injury?
Hunter Greene is expected to return in July, while Nick Lodolo is beginning a rehab assignment and is close to returning.
How has Andrew Abbott performed in the absence of Greene and Lodolo?
Andrew Abbott has struggled during this period, describing it as his worst month as a big leaguer, but remains committed to improving.
What impact have injuries had on the Cincinnati Reds' season so far?
Injuries to key pitchers have affected the rotation's performance, but the team has still achieved its best start since 2006.
