The Andrew Abbott renaissance begins tonight in Chicago

TL;DR

Cincinnati Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott aims to bounce back in his upcoming game against the Chicago Cubs after a challenging start to the 2026 season. His performance has shown notable changes, particularly in pitch velocity and arm angle.

Key points

Andrew Abbott is struggling in the 2026 season.
His secondary pitch velocities have decreased.
Abbott's arm angle has increased from 48 to 52 degrees.
The Reds are on a 4-game losing streak.
Abbott will pitch against the Chicago Cubs next.

Mentioned in this story

Jameson Taillon

Andrew AbbottCincinnati RedsChicago CubsColorado Rockies

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 18: Andrew Abbott #41 of the Cincinnati Reds takes the field prior to the game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Minnesota Twins at Target Field on Saturday, April 18, 2026 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Michael Turner/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images

On the surface, just about everything that Cincinnati Reds lefty Andrew Abbott has been throwing this year is the same as it was during his All Star campaign in 2025. His fastball, never a true heater, is within 0.4 mph of last year’s average, and obviously he’s been pitching in the cooler weather of April. It’s usage is almost identical, and he’s leaned on his curveball and change just about the same exact amount this year as last. He’s virtually abandoned his cutter (just 0.3% of his pitches this year), but even last season it was used just 4.3% of the time. The only thing that jumps off the page when breaking down his stuff this year is that his velocities on his secondary pitches have been oddly off. While he chucked his curve at 81.0 mph on average last year, it’s nearly two full mph slower in 2026 (79.3 mph). Meanwhile, the speed on his change has bumped up almost a full mph to 85.7 from 84.8 last season. It should maybe come as no surprise that the pitch values, per FanGraphs, on those two pitches have cratered as he has struggled to begin 2026. However, his fastball last season – a pitch that was valued as among pitchers who threw 100+ IP – has lost of its value. One particularly interesting bit on how his season-over-season stuff has changed, though, is with his arm angle. Per Statcast, his 2025 season saw him pitch with a 48 degree arm angle, yet so far in 2026. Whether that’s by design I do not know, but that seems like a significant enough change that maybe, just maybe, it’s what’s tweaking his ability to locate his pitches. Abbott’s 4/30 start against the was his best since Opening Day, though that, of course, came against the Colorado Rockies. The hope is that on Tuesday against the in Wrigley, he’ll be able to once again show that he’s rounding back into form and that the bulk of his April drubbing was the exception, not the rule. He’ll be up against in the second game of the series after last night’s devastating walk-off loss. The Reds are mired in a 4-game losing streak as they road trip through the NL Central, and man, would it ever be nice to see them pick themselves up off the mat and get a victory to shake those trees. First pitch is set for 7:40 PM ET, with hopefully fewer weather issues than last night. Here’s how the Reds will line up for the start:

Q&A

What changes have occurred in Andrew Abbott's pitching performance in 2026?

Andrew Abbott's secondary pitch velocities have decreased, particularly his curveball, which is averaging nearly two mph slower than last year.

Who are the Cincinnati Reds facing in their next game?

The Cincinnati Reds are facing the Chicago Cubs in their next game, scheduled for 7:40 PM ET.

What is Andrew Abbott's arm angle change from 2025 to 2026?

Andrew Abbott's arm angle has increased from 48 degrees in 2025 to 52 degrees in 2026, which may affect his pitch location.

How has Andrew Abbott's fastball value changed since last season?

Abbott's fastball, previously valued among the best in the sport, has lost almost all of its value this season.

The Andrew Abbott renaissance begins tonight in Chicago

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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