Abbott takes 'big step' in build-up to game action

MESA, Ariz -- Though he's behind other starters in his throwing progression, Reds pitcher Andrew Abbott completed an important step by facing hitters on Sunday. That could help the left-hander's chances of making the rotation out of camp.

Abbott, who came to Spring Training on a slower schedule after he missed the final six weeks of last season with a left shoulder strain, threw 20 pitches in live BP to Elly De La Cruz, Gavin Lux, Jose Trevino and Stuart Fairchild at the team complex in Goodyear.

“Big step. Big check mark, felt good," Abbott said. "Just trying to fill up the zone as much as possible with all four [pitches]."

Abbott, 25, has thrown in multiple bullpen sessions throughout camp without issue. He is expected to throw the equivalent of two simulated innings in another live BP before he's cleared to get into a Cactus League game.

With three weeks left before camp breaks, the question is whether Abbott could be ready to begin the season on time.

“I believe so," Abbott said. "They put me in a good spot with all the recovery, rehab that we’re doing. They kept allowing me to continue to throw so we didn’t have to take a break and build all the way back up. That would really slow you down. I feel really confident with where we are as a whole -- strength, conditioning, training staff, me pitching, the pitching staff included. I’ll keep showing up, keep getting stronger in those areas and keep checking [boxes] when I can.”

Abbott doesn't have enough time to stretch out to seven innings, but five certainly seems possible. That could be enough if manager Terry Francona, pitching coach Derek Johnson and the front office decide Abbott is the best option for the rotation.

"That’s up to them. You can only go as far as everybody allows you," Abbott said.

Also competing for the final spot are Carson Spiers and Graham Ashcraft. Prospect Rhett Lowder (right elbow) is not expected to be ready on time, but he is continuing to throw on flat ground.

A fifth starter isn't usually needed very often the first weeks of the season because of multiple scheduled days off. However, after the Reds are off the second day of the season, March 28, they have 12 consecutive games until their next off-day.

Spiers makes the start

Spiers gave up one earned run and two hits with a walk and three strikeouts in the Reds' 7-3 win over the Cubs on Sunday while being the first Cincinnati pitcher to complete three innings this spring. He threw 37 pitches with 26 strikes.

"I actually went to the bullpen to kind of get another up-down in and get some more pitches under my belt," Spiers said. "I felt good. It’s always good to go out there and give three good innings.”

In five innings across two games this spring, Spiers has a 3.60 ERA. When asked, he said he wasn't worrying about what his role will be with the club.

"I’m such a laid-back kind of guy. If I worry about it, it’s not going to do me any good," Spiers replied. "I just let my game do the playing and wherever the chips fall is going to happen.”

CES takes big swing

During Saturday's 7-3 win over the Padres, first baseman Christian Encarnacion-Strand crushed a 1-0 fastball to left field from Dylan Cease for a solo homer that impressed Francona.

“He turned a 99 [mph] around yesterday, tomahawked the [crap] out of that," Francona said on Sunday. "It was good to see. He’s so strong. He doesn’t have to search for power. If he just takes good swings, he’s going to run into power. I’m trying to remind him of that, especially in our ballpark the way right field is. He can hit for power without trying to dig for it.”

Encarnacion-Strand, who has two homers this spring, is competing to make the club. His chances may have improved when corner infielder Spencer Steer was shut down to get a cortisone shot in his right shoulder. Jeimer Candelario is also in the mix at first base and third base, while Gavin Lux is getting significant time at third base, where Encarnacion-Strand has also gotten some looks.

“I like the idea of him going back and forth," Francona said. "The reality of it is, it’s not as easy as it sounds with the guys we have in camp and the guys we don’t have in camp with Steer not playing now. There’s probably more at-bats at first base. We’ve got Lux over at third and we got Candy going back and forth. We’re trying to make it work that way.”