The Cincinnati Reds head to Chase Field on Sunday, August 23, for a 4:15 PM ET showdown against the Arizona Diamondbacks. Left-hander Andrew Abbott takes the ball for Cincinnati against Arizona's Mitch Bratt in what shapes up as a compelling pitching matchup in the desert. The game airs on Peacock/NBCSN nationally, with radio coverage on WLW 700 for Reds fans back home. With the regular season in its final stretch, every road win carries real weight, and the Reds need Abbott to deliver.

Andrew Abbott vs. Mitch Bratt: Sunday's Pitching Matchup at Chase Field

Abbott is Cincinnati's assignment here, and the lefty has the stuff to keep Arizona's lineup off balance. Chase Field plays as a hitter-friendly environment — the retractable roof and desert air can turn a hanging breaking ball into a highlight reel moment for the other side. Abbott will need to be sharp with his command and work efficiently early in the count to give the Reds a chance to win this one outright.

On the other side, Arizona sends Mitch Bratt to the hill. Bratt is a name Reds hitters will need to be prepared to adjust to. The key for Cincinnati's offense is the same as it always is against a starter they haven't seen much: patience early, make him work, and capitalize when he gets into trouble.

Arizona Diamondbacks Lineup to Watch

The Diamondbacks are sending out a lineup with some genuine threats. Here's what Abbott is facing:

• Ildemaro Vargas leads off at second base — a contact-oriented bat who will look to get on base and create early pressure.
• Corbin Carroll hits second in right field. Carroll is a dynamic presence at the top of any lineup, with speed and on-base ability that can set the table quickly.
• Gabriel Moreno slots in at DH third — a dangerous middle-of-the-order option who can punish pitches left in the zone.
• Geraldo Perdomo bats cleanup at shortstop, an interesting choice that reflects Arizona's confidence in his ability to produce with runners on base.
• Nolan Arenado hits fifth at third base. Arenado is a proven veteran presence who Abbott absolutely cannot allow to beat him with runners in scoring position.
• Tim Tawa, Jordan Lawlar, James McCann, and Ryan Waldschmidt round out the lineup at first base, center field, catcher, and left field respectively.

Three Keys for the Reds on Sunday

• Abbott's command against a patient lineup: Arizona's top of the order can work counts. Abbott needs to establish his fastball early and avoid falling behind hitters like Carroll and Moreno.
• Neutralizing Arenado in run-scoring situations: With runners on base, Arenado is one of the most dangerous hitters in the game. The Reds bullpen and Abbott both need a plan for him.
• Getting on the board early: Road games at Chase Field can get away from you fast if the home team gets rolling. Cincinnati's offense needs to put pressure on Bratt before the Arizona crowd gets behind its team.

Prediction: Reds Win a Tight One

This feels like a game that comes down to which pitcher commands the zone longer. Abbott has the ability to go deep into games when his mechanics are right, and if he limits the damage from the top of Arizona's order, Cincinnati has a real shot. The Reds take this one in a low-scoring affair, 3–2, with Abbott turning in a quality start and the offense doing just enough against Bratt to come away with a valuable road victory.