The Cincinnati Reds named left-hander Andrew Abbott as their Opening Day starter for the March 26 home matchup against Boston. This marks the first Opening Day assignment for the 26-year-old, who earned All-Star honors last season. Abbott will take the mound after a strong 2025 campaign where he posted a 2.87 ERA over 29 starts, emerging as Cincinnati's front-line starter following a shoulder injury that ended his 2024 season prematurely.

Abbott's selection comes while ace right-hander Hunter Greene deals with elbow stiffness that has limited his throwing. The University of Virginia product, drafted in the second round in 2021, has compiled a 28-23 record with 383 strikeouts in 75 career starts. His 2025 performance of 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 166⅓ innings solidified his role as the team's top starter, especially after beginning last season on the injured list.

"I don't take anything for granted," Abbott said of his selection by manager Terry Francona. "I'm honored to represent Cincinnati on that day." With Greene unavailable, Abbott's Opening Day start provides stability for a Reds rotation seeking to build on last season's momentum. The lefty's emergence from shoulder surgery to All-Star status reflects his resilience and development into Cincinnati's most reliable pitcher.