Andrew Abbott Pitched Seven Innings in Final Start
The Reds pitcher concluded his 2026 campaign after allowing two runs against the Braves on Wednesday.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Baseball
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Andrew Abbott tossed seven innings for the Cincinnati Reds in a 3-2, 10-inning loss to the Atlanta Braves. Despite the defeat, Abbott showed improvement in his final appearance by allowing only two runs on six hits with six strikeouts.
Why it matters
The Reds are evaluating individual performances to determine how to build a stronger rotation for the 2027 season. After a challenging year, these late-season innings provided a testing ground for mechanical adjustments that could impact the team's future success.
Abbott finished his 2026 season with a 6-11 record and a 4.61 ERA across 166 total innings. In his final outing, he reached a pitch count of 100.
The players
Andrew Abbott
He is a starting pitcher for the Cincinnati Reds who previously achieved an All-Star season in 2025.
Cincinnati Reds
This is a Major League Baseball franchise based in Cincinnati that holds a 73-85 record for the 2026 season.
Atlanta Braves
This is a professional Major League Baseball team that hosted the Cincinnati Reds for the game on September 23, 2026.
Matt Olson
He is a professional baseball player for the Atlanta Braves who hit a solo home run in the game.
Austin Riley
He is a professional baseball player for the Atlanta Braves who contributed a solo home run to the team's victory.
The details
Abbott refined his performance by analyzing past footage and sliding on the rubber to make mechanical adjustments. During his final start, he allowed two solo home runs to Matt Olson and Austin Riley before the Reds eventually fell in the 10th inning.
Timeline
2025: Abbott recorded an All-Star season.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026: Abbott pitched seven innings against the Atlanta Braves.
Remaining 2026 season: The Reds have four games left to play.
Spring Training 2027: The impact of the final 2026 games is assessed.
Season Trajectory
The Reds' late-season performance is focused on building a roster capable of meeting the 2027 Major League Baseball postseason qualification requirements. Expanding the number of quality starts is the primary shift needed to bridge the gap between their current 73-85 standing and playoff contention.
Abbott concluded his year with a 4.61 ERA, a metric the team will look to lower during Spring Training to improve overall rotation stability. His ability to reach 100 pitches in his final start provides a positive baseline for his workload capacity heading into the next year.
The takeaway
By refining his mechanics, Abbott is aiming to recapture the form that earned him an All-Star selection in 2025. Consistent mechanical focus during the final weeks of the season is a critical step for pitchers looking to rebound in their following year.
What happens next
The Cincinnati Reds have four games remaining in their 2026 schedule before the offseason begins.
Further reading
For more updates on the roster, visit Cincinnati Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by MLB.
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