Reds Pitcher Andrew Abbott Makes Early Season Statement After Slow Spring

It was a spring that Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott would like to forget. In six games and 17 2/3 innings, Abbott gave up 25 hits runs on 28 hits and eight walks.

There is no denying Abbott was starting to get frustrated.

"I'm just overall frustrated," Abbott told The Cincinnati Enquirer after his last Spring Training start. "Results aren't what I want them to be, honestly," Abbott said. "I feel like my process has been there. I feel like my work bullpen (sessions) has been there. Kind of just waiting out the storm, waiting to see when it will click but today, mechanically it clicked and then, you know, everything I've been working on with off-speed pitches, with cutters, with changeups was OK, I think. It could be better obviously but still waiting on it."

However, on Thursday, despite the loss, Abbott was fantastic. The left-hander tossed six shutout innings. He gave up seven hits, walked a batter, and struck out four.

He spoke with Jim Day in the dugout in the seventh inning.

"I felt good," Abbott said. "Really good defense behind me. The guys were making plays, there were a couple of double plays early. I got the ball on the ground a lot, which I am not used to. Overall, it was great. I was in the zone and I was able to get them out quick."

Abbott threw 59 of his 83 pitches for strikes.

"I think it all comes back to the conversation with Tito and the conversation with DJ about flipping the mentality and being external. Don't worry about the results, the pitches. Just keep going out there, keep competing for the team and we do our best what we can do."

Despite the tough spring, Abbott never doubted himself.

"No, I never doubt myself."

It's never fun to watch the Reds lose, but it was encouraging to watch Abbott pitch well.

Reds Fall 3-0