The Red Sox will likely face Reds lefty Andrew Abbott today in their season opener in Cincinnati (AP photo)

It all starts today for the Boston Red Sox, who are expected to send lefty ace Garrett Crochet to the mound for today’s 4 p.m. season opener at Cincinnati’s Great American Ballpark. The Cincinnati Reds are expected to start left-hander Andrew Abbott on the mound.

It’s the first opening day start for the 26-year-old Abbott, who was selected as an All-Star for the first time last year in his third season with the Reds.

Abbott was 10-7 with a 2.87 ERA in 166 1/3 innings over 29 starts last year after beginning the season on the injured list while still recovering from a left shoulder injury that cut short his 2024 season. He emerged as a front-line starter for the Reds.

“I think it’s awesome,” Abbott said recently of being tabbed to start opening day by manager Terry Francona. “I don’t take anything for granted. I’m honored to represent Cincinnati on that day. I know being there and seeing how big of a holiday and how big it’s celebrated, it’s great. Having the chance with all the teammates, all the talent we have on this team means a lot to me, too.

“Any one of those guys deserve it, but I’m excited to take the ball and give it my all.”

Ace right-hander Hunter Greene, the Reds’ opening day starter last year, had elbow woes and isn’t expected back until July.

Abbott was a second-round draft pick of the Reds out of the University of Virginia in 2021 and made his major league debut two years later. He’s 28-23 with a 3.42 ERA and 383 strikeouts, 139 walks and a 1.243 WHIP in 75 games, all starts, for Cincinnati.

(Material from the Associated Press was used in this report.)

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