CINCINNATI — Two days after being an All-Star snub, Reds starting pitcher Andrew Abbott received All-Star hugs from teammates on Tuesday evening.
News reached the dugout soon after the Reds began their game against the Marlins. Abbott could be seen smiling and hugging teammates who offered congratulations.
Other than Matt McLain’s first-inning home run for an early lead, it was the only good news Cincinnati could enjoy during a 12-2 loss to Miami that extended its losing streak to four games.
Reds manager Terry Francona delivered the news to Abbott and the team together right after McLain’s homer.
“We were sitting in the dugout just watching the game,” Abbott said. “I was talking to the starting pitchers. McLain hits the homer. Tito brings us in like a circle. I thought we were going to get yelled at. He was doing his yelling-but-not-yelling voice. He was like, ‘I’ll tell you guys one thing’ — with some choice language in there as well – ‘Andrew Abbott is an All-Star.’
“It just erupted. I got showered with ice, bubble gum, everything that guys could get their hands on. It was fantastic. Just being around the guys, it felt like I was in Triple-A getting called up to the big leagues, so it was definitely a wholesome moment.”
A first-time All-Star, Abbott is 7-1 with a 2.15 ERA with one complete game in 15 starts and 83 2/3 innings this season. That includes 11 starts where he’s allowed one or fewer runs.
“It was actually wonderful,” Francona said of giving the news to Abbott. “He’s very deserving. His teammates were thrilled for him. On a tough night, that was the one really bright shining spot for us.”
Abbott, 26, missed the final six weeks of last season with a left shoulder injury and spent the first two weeks of 2025 on the injured list as he finished working his way back. Upon his return on April 12, he hit the ground running. Over six May starts, he went 3-0 with a 0.55 ERA.
“I wouldn’t be here without the guys in that clubhouse, my battery mates [Tyler] Stephenson and [Jose] Trevino calling games, the staff and everything,” Abbott said. “I’m more than happy for them to share the moment with me.”
Among MLB pitchers with at least 80 innings pitched entering Tuesday, Abbott was fourth in ERA, was tied for the second-fewest hits allowed (69), had the second-fewest runs allowed (25) and was tied for the fewest baserunners (94).
Yet, Abbott’s name was not among those selected as All-Stars on Sunday.
“It’s great. It’s very deserving. I’m proud of him,” said starting pitcher Nick Martinez, who took the loss on Tuesday while allowing 10 runs over five-plus innings. “He’s put in the work this year, and it’s showing. To get that recognition is a good honor. Honestly, I was shocked he wasn’t selected earlier.”
While also disappointed, Abbott hadn’t given up on the idea he still might get to be an All-Star.
“I always held hope that I would,” Abbott said. “I didn’t really understand the process or anything that went into it, so I didn’t know what to fully expect. So, I didn’t focus on it fully. I thought I deserved it the first go-around, but there’s a lot of other deserving guys, so I get that process. You just had to wait until your name is called. It’s kind of like Draft day.”
The All-Star Game presented by Mastercard is scheduled for July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Abbott is scheduled to pitch once more in the first half on Wednesday against Miami. That gives him enough time to recover if he’s chosen to appear in the game next week.
Abbott’s parents were at Tuesday’s game, and he was able to tell them via text message before the news became official.
“It means the world,” Abbott said. “You grow up and want to be an MLB baseball player and to get the recognition of being an All-Star. Can’t put it into words. I’m just excited to represent them, represent Cincinnati at the game and go have some fun.”