The Cincinnati Reds reinstated left-handed pitcher from the 15-day injured list ahead of Saturday’s matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates. Abbott, who had been sidelined for the first two weeks of the 2025 season due to a shoulder injury, is set to return to the mound.
To clear space on the active roster, the Reds optioned outfielder Will Benson to the minors. Benson started one game during the team’s West Coast trip to San Francisco, where he struck out in all four plate appearances.
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Evidently, the coaching staff wasn’t impressed with the 26-year-old’s performance, leading to his second demotion to Triple-A this season.
Reds reverse course and option Will Benson to Triple-A in order to activate Andrew Abbott from the injured list
Some Reds fans may be a bit caught off guard — perhaps expecting Noelvi Marte to be optioned back to Triple-A. Despite being a former top prospect, Marte has yet to crack the starting lineup, though he did appear earlier this week as a pinch-runner.
Meanwhile, Will Benson continues to struggle with strikeouts. Known for his power, the outfielder ranked among the league leaders in strikeout rate last season. Even after adjusting his approach at the plate, consistent contact remains an issue.
This marks another bump in the road for the former Guardians prospect, who hasn’t been able to recapture the form he showed in the latter half of the 2023 season. On the Reds’ depth chart, Benson has now fallen behind players like Jacob Hurtubise, Blake Dunn, and even converted infielder Gavin Lux.
On a brighter note, the return of Andrew Abbott is cause for excitement among Reds fans and coaches alike. After being sidelined by a shoulder injury last year, the left-hander completed two rehab starts in Louisville and is now set to rejoin the rotation.
Cincinnati’s starting pitching has been among the league’s best early this season, and manager Terry Francona is hoping Abbott can keep that momentum going on Saturday. With Benson sent back to the minors, it appears the team is rolling with Lux in the outfield — at least until Austin Hays returns from the injured list next week.
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