The Cincinnati Reds are set to welcome back left-handed pitcher for Saturday night’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the second game in their three-game series. Abbott, who has been recovering from a left shoulder rotator cuff strain, will make his first appearance of the season after being activated from the 15-day injured list.
Last season, Abbott posted a 10-10 record with a 3.72 ERA. He recently made two rehab starts for Triple-A Louisville, surrendering four runs on 10 hits (including three home runs) over 10 innings, along with five walks and eight strikeouts. In spring training, he gave up just two runs across seven innings while holding opposing hitters to a .077 average.
His last MLB outing was on August 18, 2024, against the Kansas City Royals. He was placed on the injured list five days later and didn’t return for the rest of the season.
The Reds’ bullpen has stepped up in his absence. Emilio Pagan has converted all three save opportunities, including in Friday’s 5-3 victory over Pittsburgh. Graham Ashcraft, a former starter, delivered two scoreless innings on Friday in a key setup role.
“The training wheels are off,” Pagan said of Ashcraft, praising his recent outings and growing confidence. “He’s becoming a real weapon for us.”
The Pirates will counter with lefty Andrew Heaney (0-0, 1.50 ERA), making his third start of the year. In his last outing, he struck out 10 and gave up one run over seven innings against the Yankees, though he earned a no-decision in the team’s 11-inning walk-off win. Heaney last faced the Reds in 2022, when he tossed six shutout innings for the Dodgers.
Pittsburgh is dealing with injury issues. Shortstop Oneil Cruz missed his second game Friday after taking a pitch off his left hand earlier in the week. Catcher Joey Bart exited Friday’s game in the second inning due to back discomfort.
Endy Rodriguez, who sat out all of 2024 following Tommy John surgery, moved to catcher but committed a throwing error that led to two runs — ultimately the difference in the game. Rodriguez has now committed four errors this season.
Manager Derek Shelton acknowledged Rodriguez is still getting his timing back. “He’s athletic and eager, but we need to help him slow things down a bit,” Shelton said. “That’s part of the process.”