Cincinnati Reds Rookie Joins Elite Company in Baseball History

Cincinnati Reds rookie pitcher Andrew Abbott was dealing on Sunday against the San Diego Padres, joining some elite baseball history.

At the time of this posting, the Cincinnati Reds and San Diego Padres are tied 2-2 in the bottom of the eighth inning. 

Reds rookie Andrew Abbott was dealing once again in this game, going 7.2 innings while allowing just four hits and one walk. He struck out 12 and lowered his ERA to 1.21. He won't factor into the decision. 

Abbott pounded the strike zone all day long, throwing 101 pitches and getting 66 for strikes. He also had elite swing and miss stuff and joined some baseball history in that category.

Per Sarah Langs of MLB.com:

Andrew Abbott’s 25 swings & misses today are tied for 3rd-most by a rookie in a game in the pitch-tracking era (2008), behind only: 

6/30/18 Tyler Mahle: 26 

6/14/18 Domingo Germán: 26

Andrew Abbott’s 25 swings & misses today are tied for 3rd-most by a rookie in a game in the pitch-tracking era (2008), behind only:

6/30/18 Tyler Mahle: 26
6/14/18 Domingo Germán: 26

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 2, 2023

Sure, the pitch-tracking era only extends for 15 years, but that still shows the kind of stuff that Abbott possesses. He is one of several Reds prospects that is contributing this year and the future is bright in Cincinnati. 

However, the "now" also looks bright. The Reds entered play on Sunday in a tie for first place in the National League Central. The Brewers are on track for a win against the Pittsburgh Pirates, so the Reds need to win to keep pace.

The Reds will be back in action on Monday night as they take on the Washington Nationals in Washington. First pitch is slated for 6:05 p.m. ET. Luke Weaver will pitch for Cincy. He's 1-2 with a 6.96 ERA.

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