The Cincinnati Reds return to spring training action today, hosting the Chicago White Sox at Goodyear Ballpark. First pitch is set for 9:05 PM ET, and with Opening Day on March 26 now just five days away, this game carries more weight than your average Cactus League contest.

Pitching Matchup

Andrew Abbott takes the mound for the Reds today, looking to sharpen his command and continue building toward Opening Day readiness. With regular-season preparation in full swing, this outing represents one of the final chances to fine-tune pitch sequencing and establish rhythm against live competition.

On the other side, the Chicago White Sox will send Jedixson Paez to the hill. Jedixson Paez has been working through his spring progression and will look to put together a clean outing in what could be his final tune-up before the regular season begins.

With starters now targeting five to six innings in their final spring outings, the pitch count management becomes critical. The coaching staff has been methodical about building arm strength throughout camp, and today's outing will be a strong indicator of where things stand heading into the regular season. Bullpen arms competing for the final roster spots will also be eager to put up clean frames in what may be their last spring audition.

Keys to Watch

Spring training records don't carry over, but the preparation absolutely does. Here are three things to monitor as the Reds take the field against the White Sox:

  • Pitching depth: Watch how deep Andrew Abbott goes today. A six-inning outing on roughly 80 pitches would signal full confidence in his Opening Day readiness. The middle relievers who follow will also be under the microscope — every clean inning strengthens a bullpen case.
  • Lineup construction: With Opening Day less than a week away, today's lineup card should closely resemble the regular-season arrangement. Position battles are down to the wire, and every at-bat matters for players on the roster bubble. Pay attention to the batting order — the top of the lineup is likely set, but the bottom third could still see shuffling.
  • Situational execution: The Cincinnati Reds have been working on baserunning and defensive fundamentals throughout camp. Today's game against the Chicago White Sox provides another opportunity to test those elements against live competition. Hit-and-run plays, sacrifice bunts, and relay throws all factor into the coaching staff's evaluation as they finalize their approach for the regular season.

Roster Watch

The 26-man roster must be submitted before Opening Day, and the Cincinnati Reds still have a handful of decisions to make. Today's performance could tip the scales for players on the bubble. The final bench spot and the last bullpen arm are typically the most hotly contested positions in every camp, and this late in spring, there's no margin for error.

Game Information

First pitch: 9:05 PM ET at Goodyear Ballpark. The Cincinnati Reds enter today's contest in the final stretch of Cactus League play. With the regular season opener just around the corner, every play, every at-bat, and every pitch from here on out is about building the kind of momentum that carries into a long, 162-game grind. Today is another step on that journey.