GOODYEAR, Ariz. – A big NASCAR fan, Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott was given permission by manager Terry Francona to depart Sunday's workout early and go down the road to see the Cup race at Phoenix Raceway.
But first, Abbott was in the training room getting treatment when Francona popped in with some good news. The left-hander was going to be Cincinnati's Opening Day starter.
“I think it’s awesome," Abbott said. "I don’t take anything for granted. I’m honored to represent Cincinnati on that day. I know being there and seeing how big of a holiday it’s celebrated. It’s great. Having the chance with all the teammates, all the talent we have on this team means a lot to me too. Any one of those guys deserve it, but I’m excited to take the ball and give it my all.”
With Abbott on the mound, the Reds are slated to open the 2026 regular season on March 26 vs. the Red Sox at Great American Ball Park. It will be his first time pitching on Opening Day.
Hunter Greene, who was the Reds' Opening Day starter in 2025, is dealing with right elbow stiffness and currently shut down from pitching pending test results. But whether Greene was available or not, Abbott was the deserving choice for the 2026 honors.
“I think he kind of knew because the days lined up, but it’s an honor for guys," Francona said. "I just wanted to make sure he understood that.”
Abbott, 26, became a first time All-Star last season as he went 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 29 starts and 166 1/3 innings. That came after he opened 2025 on the injured list and missed a couple of starts as he worked his way back from a 2024 left shoulder injury.
In 17 starts, Abbott surrendered fewer than two earned runs. He also had one complete game. Along the way, he emerged as worthy of ace status.
“I was hurt during Spring Training, late start, just trying to get through healthy and then I kind of turned it really into my best one so far," Abbott said of the season. "Obviously build on it, learn from it. It’s a new year. Guys are going to have different approaches and be ready for you. We’re changing as they are. I’m super excited to do that again.”
With Cincinnati's status as the first city to host a professional baseball franchise, in 1869, the Reds usually open the regular season at home. Each opener is treated like a local holiday with the Findlay Market Opening Day Parade being just one of the unique aspects that make the day special.
The game often carries a playoff atmosphere, despite it being just the first of 162 regular season games.
“You definitely have to enjoy it a little but you have to kind of flirt the fine line," Abbott said. "Can’t get too involved in it, can’t let the emotions kind of overtake. You’ve still got to focus, you still have to pitch, you still got to execute. But I’m definitely going to take it in and see Cincinnati at its fullest on Opening Day and just enjoy it.”