Reds’ playoff future may hinge on Andrew Abbott’s next big start

Andrew Abbott will take the ball for the Cincinnati Reds tonight in San Diego for what should be viewed as a must-win game. Cincinnati avenged their extra-innings loss from Monday with a 4-2 win on Tuesday night at Petco Park thanks to a ninth-inning missile off the bat of Tyler Stephenson.

Though the Reds' All-Star pitcher is on the bump tonight, the Cincinnati faithful can hardly feel comfortable after watching Abbott's last start against the New York Mets. The lefty couldn't get out of the fifth inning back on September 5, and gave up five runs on nine hits. It was easily Abbott's worst start of the season and couldn't have come at more inopportune time. The Reds lost that game by a final score of 5-4.

Abbott's been inconsistent since the All-Star break — something that's plagued him throughout his big-league career — but the Reds need their southpaw to be in tip-top form on Wednesday night against the San Diego Padres. Cincinnati is just three games back of the Mets in the hunt for the final NL Wild Card spot, and Abbott's success — not just in San Diego, but throughout the final few weeks of the season — will be crucial to the Reds' chances going forward.

Reds’ playoff future may hinge on Andrew Abbott’s next big start

Having Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo back in the starting rotation certainly helps take the pressure off Abbott's shoulders. Outside of Brady Singer, Reds' lefty has been the most durable starter for manager Terry Francona this season.

But a familiar foible has crept in once again. Abbott tends to struggle once the calendar flips to August. For his career, Abbott's allowed the opposition to touch him up to the tune of .274/.329/.473 during the month of August.

Things get even worse in September when opposing batters have hit .333/.403/.543 in his six career starts during the final month of the season. For reference, batters can barely hit above the Mendoza line against Abbott during the first three months of the season. Abbott's career ERA steadily increases as the season moves along, going from 1.87 in May, to 3.26 in July, and all the way up 5.28 in August.

Cincinnati needs Abbott to return to the type of pitcher he was earlier this season, or else the Reds could find themselves even further back in the NL Wild Card standings.

More Cincinnati Reds News and Rumors