Bengals Updated Defensive Depth Chart, Andrew Abbott Struggles, Cincinnati Reds Roster Decisions, Justin Fields Trade

On today's show, we take a look at an updated Bengals defensive depth chart after last week's acquisitions. Also, Andrew Abbott continues to struggle in spring training as he likely will only get one more start before getting the ball on Opening Day. Plus, Cincinnati Reds roster decisions as they get closer to cutting the roster down to 26 players.

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Andrew Abbott’s spring training has taken a concerning turn, and another shaky outing yesterday only deepened the unease surrounding his early-season form. After emerging as a reliable arm for the Cincinnati Reds last year, expectations were that Abbott would build on that momentum. Instead, his performances this spring have been marked by inconsistency, wavering command, and an unusual vulnerability to hard contact.

In his latest appearance, Abbott struggled to locate his fastball, frequently falling behind hitters and being forced into the zone in predictable counts. Opposing batters capitalized, squaring up pitches that, at his best, typically generate weak contact or swings and misses. His secondary offerings—particularly the changeup that was so effective during his breakout—have lacked their usual deception, often staying up in the zone.

This outing follows a pattern rather than standing as an isolated misstep. Across multiple spring appearances, Abbott has posted elevated pitch counts early in games, limiting his ability to work deep into outings. More concerning than the raw results is the underlying lack of sharpness; his mechanics appear slightly out of sync, leading to inconsistent release points and diminished command on both sides of the plate.

To be clear, spring training struggles don’t always translate into regular-season issues. Pitchers often use this period to experiment, refine grips, or gradually build arm strength. However, Abbott’s challenges feel more foundational than experimental. The Reds’ coaching staff will likely focus on simplifying his approach—reestablishing fastball command and rebuilding confidence in his off-speed pitches.

With Opening Day approaching, Abbott still has time to course-correct. But if these trends persist, what once looked like a stable piece of Cincinnati’s rotation could enter the season with more questions than answers.

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