Cincinnati Reds Breakdown: An In-Depth Look at Their Starting Rotation

Opening Day is on Thursday, March 28.

Author:
Caleb Sisk
Publish date:
Mar 20, 2024 10:22 AM EDT

In this story:

Cincinnati Reds Opening Day is just eight days away. They hope to have a much better starting rotation this season.

Let's take a look at their best starters and what they bring to the mound entering the 2024 season:

Hunter Greene:

The former No. 2 pick has not exactly lived up to the hype in his first two seasons. He's hoping to take a big step forward this year. His teammates certainly think he's capable of being an ace.

“Leader, he is our guy at the end of the day, you go out there and he’s going to give everything he’s got," Andrew Abbott said. "When he takes the ball we’ve got a really good chance of winning."

Greene, 24, had 152 strikeouts in 112 innings of work last season, finishing with a 4.82 ERA. Greene has also developed two new pitches this off-season as he added not only a curve ball but a split-finger fastball to go with his slider and his four-seam fastball. Greene talked a little about his pitches that he recently added as he stated, “I really just wanted to work on getting early pitch contact. Kind of trying to have an equalizer and be able to add more to the mix.”

Frankie Montas:

Montas is the newest addition to the Reds' rotation. He's their Opening Day starter.

Some believe he has All-Star upside if he can stay healthy.

Montas made his debut in 2015. He's played in 130 total games and 593.2 innings over that span. Although he is not the flashy strikeout specialist that you’d maybe hope for, he does bring tons of experience and consistency as throughout his career he only gave up an average ERA of 3.90.

The big question about Montas is not if he will be good, but about his health. Can he stay healthy one year removed from serious shoulder surgery?

Nick Lodolo:

The former No. 7 overall pick appeared in seven games last season, before missing the rest of the year with a left tibia injury.

Lodolo has a chance to be one of the best pitchers in the rotation, but he needs to stay healthy. He's expected to miss one start at the beginning of the season, but should return in early April.

Despite not pitching in a game since last May, the Reds believe Lodolo will have a huge impact this season. He throws four pitches, including his absolute nasty curveball that leaves batters looking foolish at the plate. He also throws a four-seam fastball, a changeup, and the occasional sinker.

Graham Ashcraft:

Ashcraft appeared in 26 contests and held a 7-9 record last season. He pitched in 145.2 innings, finishing with 111 strikeouts. The former sixth-round selection is healthy and added a pitch to his repertoire. Ashcraft has thrown two-seamers, cutters, sinkers, and sliders in the past. He added a changeup this offseason.

Although he has added another off-speed pitch, his breaking balls have already been successful. Check out his slider below:

Andrew Abbott:

After his call-up to the Major Leagues, Abbott was a force to be reckoned with last season. He produced an 8-6 record in 21 appearances. Abbott struck out 120 batters in 109.1 innings of work and posted a 3.87 ERA.

Abbott was the spark that Cincinnati needed last year as he made headlines throughout his rookie year. He was even named as a “Top 10 National League Rookie” for the 2023 season alongside Spencer Steer, Matt McLain, and Elly De La Cruz.

Nick Martinez:

Martinez went 6-4 last season in 110.1 innings of work, finishing with 106 strikeouts.

He appeared in in 63 games and made nine starts for the Padres.

He'll start the season in the rotation, but could move to the bullpen if Lodolo stays on schedule with his recovery.

Martinez will be a key piece regardless of the situation. Look for him to start games for the Reds this season and also give the bullpen a boost. He's the perfect veteran that can fill multiple roles for a talented, but often injured Reds starting rotation.

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