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Goodyear Today
By the People, for the People
Cincinnati Reds Name All-Star Pitcher as Opening Day Starter
Andrew Abbott to take the mound as team awaits MRI results on ace Hunter Greene's elbow injury
Published on Mar. 8, 2026
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The Cincinnati Reds have announced that left-hander Andrew Abbott will make his first career Opening Day start on March 26 against the Boston Red Sox, as the team awaits the results of an MRI on ace pitcher Hunter Greene's stiff right elbow. Greene, a two-time All-Star, has been the Reds' Opening Day starter in two of the past three seasons but is dealing with an injury that could sideline him to start the 2026 campaign.
Why it matters
The Reds are hoping Greene's injury is not serious, as he has emerged as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. Abbott, an All-Star in his own right in 2025, will now have the honor of taking the mound for the Reds on Opening Day as the team looks to build on its first playoff appearance since 2013 last season.
The details
Abbott, a 26-year-old fourth-year pro, enjoyed a standout 2025 season, finishing 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 166 1/3 innings and striking out 149 batters. He placed eighth in the National League Cy Young Award balloting. If Greene is unable to return in time for the start of the season, the Reds' rotation is expected to feature Abbott, Nick Lodolo, Brady Singer, and Rhett Lowder alongside former second overall pick Chase Burns.
- Greene left the Reds' spring training site in Goodyear, Arizona, on Wednesday to get an MRI on his stiff right elbow.
- The Reds and Red Sox are scheduled to meet at 4:10 p.m. ET on March 26 at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
The players
Hunter Greene
A two-time All-Star pitcher who has been the Cincinnati Reds' Opening Day starter in two of the past three seasons, but is now dealing with a stiff right elbow that could sideline him to start the 2026 campaign.
Andrew Abbott
A 26-year-old left-hander who will make his first career Opening Day start for the Cincinnati Reds on March 26 against the Boston Red Sox. Abbott enjoyed an All-Star season in 2025, finishing 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA and 149 strikeouts.
Terry Francona
The second-year manager of the Cincinnati Reds, who will be overseeing the team's pitching staff as it awaits the results of Hunter Greene's MRI.
What’s next
The Reds and their medical staff will evaluate the results of Hunter Greene's MRI to determine the severity of his elbow injury and whether he will be able to return in time for the start of the 2026 season.
The takeaway
The Reds are hopeful that Greene's injury is not serious, as he has emerged as one of the top young pitchers in baseball. In his absence, the team will turn to All-Star left-hander Andrew Abbott to make his first career Opening Day start, as Cincinnati looks to build on its first playoff appearance since 2013 last season.
