Andrew Abbott could leapfrog Reds prospects on his way to the major leagues

In case you missed it, Andrew Abbott pitched a no-hitter on Thursday night. Well, okay, that's not completely true. But he didn't allow a hit through 4.2 innings of work in 2023 debut.

Abbott, who was a non-roster invitee to Cincinnati Reds spring training last month, began his 2023 season at Double-A Chattanooga. Abbott spent most of last season with the Lookouts after completely dominating the competition at High-A Dayton to begin the year.

After posting a 0.67 ERA in five games with the Dayton Dragons in 2022, Abbott was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga. In 20 games, covering 91 innings with the Lookouts, Abbott posted 4.75 ERA, 3.48 FIP, and 30.8-percent strikeout according to FanGraphs.

Reds prospect Andrew Abbott won't be at Double-A long after dominant performance.

The Chattanooga Lookouts sent Andrew Abbott to the mound for the team's Opening Night game against the Rocket City Trash Pandas (great nickname, by the way). Abbott was absolutely dominant striking out 11 batters in 4.2 innings of work and walking just one. No one for Rocket City got a hit until Abbott was removed from the game after throwing 79 pitches.

This is now four consecutive games at Double-A, going back to last year, in which Abbott has not allowed a run to cross the plate. During those four games, Abbott has gone 20.2 innings, allowed just seven base hits, four free passes, and struck out 32 batters.

Abbott barely spent a month in High-A last season after crushing the opposition. He may have an even shorter stay in southeast Tennessee if he keeps throwing up zeroes. Abbott will be at Triple-A Louisville before you know it.

Fellow pitching prospects Brandon Williamson and Levi Stoudt better have their heads on a swivel, because Andrew Abbott may very well leapfrog his way into the Cincinnati Reds starting rotation before the 2023 season is over.