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Andrew Abbott's key adjustment this spring is still clicking into place

charlie goldsmith, cincinnati enquirer
·6 min read

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott has been working on jamming hitters with inside fastballs this spring, and he made a point to throw that pitch often on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Abbott had his second straight subpar spring training start, allowing three runs and seven hits in three-plus innings. He was scheduled to pitch four innings, but Reds manager David Bell went to the bullpen after Abbott allowed the first runner of the fourth inning to reach base.

“To put it in perspective, there were a few good things and a few bad things,” Abbott said. “Execution on fastballs inside today was bad. That’s what I’ve been working on for the entirety of camp, trying to jam righty hitters after looking at last year’s data. I didn’t get there today.”

Andrew Abbott, here pitching against the Seattle Mariners in a spring game late last month, allowed three runs on seven hits in three-plus innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday. He had been scheduled to pitch four innings.
Andrew Abbott, here pitching against the Seattle Mariners in a spring game late last month, allowed three runs on seven hits in three-plus innings against the Arizona Diamondbacks Saturday. He had been scheduled to pitch four innings.

Abbott still totaled five strikeouts, and he felt good about how he spun his off-speed pitches to get swings and misses. His changeup was also an effective pitch.

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"He's fine," Reds manager David Bell said. "He still working toward being really sharp like we know he can be. He's going through that normal process in spring training. He came in looking really good and he'll get back there by the end of camp."

David Bell impressed with Tyler Stephenson's adjustments this spring

Over the last week, Reds catcher Tyler Stephenson has gotten into a rhythm at the plate. Following back-to-back games where he homered, Stephenson was two-for-two with a walk on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers.When Bell was asked about Stephenson’s at-bats after the game, Bell made a point to highlight Stephenson’s improvement defensively.

“He’s catching well, too,” Bell said. “He has made some nice improvements. You can see it with your eyes, and we’re also tracking everything (using analytics). He’s getting better back there.”

Tyler Stephenson's bat has come around recently, but Reds manager David Bell made it a point praise the catcher for his improved performance behind the plate.
Tyler Stephenson's bat has come around recently, but Reds manager David Bell made it a point praise the catcher for his improved performance behind the plate.

Last year, Stephenson bounced between using a one knee catching stance and a crouched stance. He was looking for the right balance between putting himself in position to block low pitches and putting himself in position to frame pitches that land high in the strike zone.

This year, Stephenson is going all-in on the one knee approach in an effort to become a much more consistent blocker.

As that adjustment falls into place, Stephenson is also heating up as a hitter.

“It’s coming together,” Stephenson said. “My timing has been better. I feel more confident at the plate. It’s all about timing. If you can be on time with your fastballs and pitches to hit, that can make a big difference. It’s been good. I continue to challenge myself and keep it going.”

Jonathan India makes a strong impression in his first game at first base

Jonathan India enters the year expected to play first base, left field and some second base while making regular starts as a designated hitter.

India made his spring training debut with a start at first base, which was a sign of the Reds’ plans for his role in 2024.

He’s still learning two new positions in first base and left field, but in his debut game on Friday against the Los Angeles Dodgers, India snagged a diving catch on a low line drive to his right. In addition to the highlight, he made all of the routine plays.

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“You wouldn’t have known tonight that he never has played there in his life,” Bell said. “That was a good start.”

More players shipped to minors

The Reds continued to trim their roster, optioning five minor league players with limited big league experience to Triple-A for the start of the season.

The Reds reassigned to minor league camp and optioned to Louisville reliever Casey Legumina, starter Christian Roa, starter Carson Spiers, outfielder Rece Hinds and outfielder Jacob Hurtubise.

Carson Spiers, here pitching in a spring game late last month, was among five players who were returned to minor league camp Friday. The Reds like Spiers' ability to start or pitch out of the bullpen.
Carson Spiers, here pitching in a spring game late last month, was among five players who were returned to minor league camp Friday. The Reds like Spiers' ability to start or pitch out of the bullpen.

Spiers had an impressive big league camp and factors into the Reds’ plans as a potential swingman this year. Spiers has experience starting and pitching out of the bullpen, and he made a considerable leap from last year to this year.

He’s using his off-speed pitches more effectively and getting more swings and misses, and Reds president of baseball operations Nick Krall has spoken highly of Spiers’ versatility.

The Reds have 47 players remaining in big league camp and will cut the roster to 26 for the start of the season.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Andrew Abbott's key adjustment this spring is still clicking into place