When Sunday began, Andrew Abbott had a 0.86 ERA through four games this season with the Dayton Dragons. He had given up just two earned runs in 21.0 innings and allowed just 13 hits while striking out 35 and walking just 7.
But on Sunday afternoon, Andrew Abbott was set to make a start for Dayton against Lake County. When the outing was over for the left-handed starter he had tossed another 6.0 shutout innings, giving up just three hits along the way, and he picked up five strikeouts while walking no one.
Five games, 27.0 innings, two earned runs (that’s a 0.67 ERA for those keeping track at home), just 16 hits allowed, just 7 walks, and he struck out 40 of the 103 batters he faced. Opponents had hit just .168/.233/.221 against him with two doubles and one home run.
On Sunday evening the 22-year-old lefty was promoted to Double-A Chattanooga. While the move isn’t official, Abbott shared the news of the promotion on Instagram. Given that he won’t be expected to pitch until at least Friday, the move may not be announced until then – though it could come sooner.
It’s been a dominant start to his professional career for Andrew Abbott. He has only thrown 40.0 innings, pitching briefly last season with Low-A Daytona with the Tortugas after he was drafted in the 2nd round by the Reds. In those 40.0 innings since being selected by Cincinnati he’s posted a 1.80 ERA, walked just 11 batters, and he’s struck out 62. The 53rd overall pick has made a quick ascension to Double-A and will likely join last year’s 1st round pick Matt McLain with the Lookouts unless he gets promoted before the Abbott transaction becomes official.