The Reds have a chance to turn a rough start into a series win Sunday afternoon after blasting the Diamondbacks 11-? no, after being shut out in Game 1 and then answering with 16 hits and 11 runs last night to even the set. Now it all comes down to the finale, with Cincinnati and Arizona meeting in a game that will be shown only on Peacock and NBCSN.
Cincinnati is handing the ball to Andrew Abbott, and the left-hander’s season has been a mixed bag. He came out sharp on Opening Day, stumbled through much of April, then settled in for a strong stretch before hitting a few bumps again.
Two starts ago, he was tagged for five runs in 4.1 innings, though he bounced back in his most recent outing. He already saw Arizona once this year, back on June 14, when he allowed one run over 5.0 innings in a Reds loss.
The underlying numbers show a pitcher whose splits have gradually leveled out. Left-handed hitters did a lot of damage against Abbott early, but that’s cooled off.
These days, teams are sending fewer lefties his way, and the ones who do get chances haven’t done much. Right-handed hitters have had a little more success, mostly because they’ve produced more power and drawn more walks.
Abbott has thrown 139.1 innings with a 4.07 ERA and a 1.40 WHIP, along with 66 walks and 108 strikeouts. His pitch mix is built around a 92.5 mph four-seam fastball that he uses 45% of the time, plus a cutter, curveball, slider and changeup.
Arizona is countering with rookie lefty Mitch Bratt, who has already had an up-and-down introduction to the majors. He debuted in late June, went back to Triple-A for a bit, then returned right before the All-Star break and has stayed with the club since. In eight big-league starts, he’s had three outings that lasted just 3.0 innings, and only two that got beyond 5.0 innings.
Bratt’s splits have been unusual. Left-handed hitters have posted a higher average against him and done plenty of damage in the power department, while right-handed hitters have walked more and made plenty of contact but haven’t turned that into many hits or much pop.
Through 36.2 innings, Bratt has a 4.17 ERA and a 1.47 WHIP with 22 walks and 25 strikeouts. His arsenal includes a 90.9 mph four-seam fastball and a 90.7 mph two-seamer, along with a cutter, curveball, slider and changeup.
The Reds also made a roster move before the game, calling up utility man Ivan Johnson from Triple-A Louisville and placing Michael Toglia on the 10-day injured list with a right shoulder dislocation.
Triple-A lefty Brandon Williamson also worked 4.0-plus innings for Louisville, allowing one run on two hits and four walks while striking out five. He threw 41 strikes in 75 pitches. The run scored after he walked the first batter of the fifth, then reached his pitch count.
In the standings, Cincinnati sits at 62-68 and 19.0 games back, while Arizona’s focus remains on finishing this series.
In Other News...
Several Reds Enter September With Their 2027 Future Suddenly In Doubt
September is arriving with a lot more uncertainty than the Reds probably expected, because several players who were supposed to help define this stretch are now fighting for their place in the clubs longer-term plans. TJ Friedl, Ke'Bryan Hayes, Sam Moll, Michael Toglia, Noelvi Marte, Connor Phillips and Brandon Williamson are all in the spotlight for the same reason: their 2026 production has not matched the kind of value the organization needs, and that puts real pressure on the final weeks of the season.
The Reds are not just sorting out the present tense here, they are staring at a 2027 offseason that could bring significant roster decisions. For some of these players, a strong finish would help steady the conversation and buy more time; for others, the combination of performance and contract considerations could leave the front office weighing changes sooner rather than later. [Read more 🡒]
Reds Face A Costly Infield Problem They Can't Easily Fix
The Reds infield has become one of the clearest reasons their offense has stalled in 2026, with both KeBryan Hayes and Matt McLain leaving too much to be desired at the plate. Hayes, in particular, is in the midst of the worst season of his career, and the contract that runs through 2029 makes him a tough player to move even if Cincinnati wanted to shake up third base. McLain has still offered value with the glove, but the bat has not carried enough weight to make second base feel settled.
For a club trying to build a more reliable lineup, that creates a winter problem without an easy solution. The Reds need more production from the left side of the infield and better overall balance, yet the two spots that need the most attention are tied to players who are either expensive to trade or would not bring much back in return. It leaves Cincinnati weighing how much of the current group can be repaired internally and how much will have to be addressed in ways that are not as simple as a swap. [Read more 🡒]
Reds Suddenly Face Another Lineup Concern With Michael Toglia
Michael Toglias brief run with Cincinnati hit another snag this week when the Reds put him on the injured list retroactive to Aug. 22 after he dislocated his right shoulder in a game. The move forced the club to turn to Triple-A Louisville for depth, with infielder/outfielder Ivan Johnson coming up to fill the roster spot.
Terry Francona said there is some optimism around Toglias recovery, though the next round of testing will help determine how soon he can move forward. For a Reds team trying to keep its lineup intact down the stretch, any absence in the middle of the order or on the bench can complicate the day-to-day mix, and this one now leaves Cincinnati waiting on a clearer timetable. [Read more 🡒]