HOUSTON -- For the Reds to truly contend for a very winnable National League Central, their rotation will need to provide big-time starts against good teams -- just like what rookie Andrew Abbott did to the Astros on Friday. 

And if those types of performances don't come from within the organization, Cincinnati could look outside. Abbott worked six more scoreless innings, bringing his total to 17 2/3 innings without a run allowed, as the Reds took a 2-1 victory over the defending World Series champions on Friday at Minute Maid Park.

"Andrew did exactly what we needed," Reds manager David Bell said. "Clearly we couldn’t have won that game without his performance. We know that comes up a lot and starting pitching is really important.”

It was Cincinnati's sixth straight win and its ninth in the last 11 games to bring the club to a .500 record at 35-35. The Reds are in second place, a half-game behind the first-place Brewers.

According to Elias Sports Bureau, Abbott is the first Major League pitcher since 1893 -- when the mound was moved to its current distance -- to begin his career with three scoreless starts of at least five innings. 

“That’s pretty cool," Abbott said. "I wouldn’t be in the position I’m in unless the team is playing well behind me, that’s first and foremost. Luke [Maile], behind the plate, calling outstanding games for me. All the pieces are coming together. We’re on a hot streak right now and we’ll hopefully keep it going.”

Cincinnati's No. 6 prospect (No. 94 overall), per MLB Pipeline, Abbott also surpassed Wayne Simpson's club record of 15 scoreless innings to begin a career. 

Will Abbott ever give up a run?

“It’s bound to happen, but I’m going to try and keep it going as long as possible, let’s put it that way," said Abbott, who threw 83 pitches and allowed four hits with two walks and two strikeouts.

The Reds' rotation has a 5.78 ERA, which was ranked 28th in the Majors. Friday snapped a streak of nine straight games without a quality start, which is six innings pitched with three or less earned runs allowed. Their last quality start came on June 5 vs. the Brewers -- via Abbott's big league debut. 

Cincinnati starters are ranked 24th in innings pitched, while the bullpen is tied for fourth in innings. The last time the Reds won their division in 2012, none of their five starters missed a start, and four pitched 200 innings.

Graham Ashcraft, who was on the 15-day injured list with a left calf contusion, threw a bullpen session on Friday, and is eligible for activation on June 24.

Ashcraft is the team leader with five quality starts -- all came over his first six games -- but was struggling before his injury and has a 6.78 ERA in 13 games. Nick Lodolo, who is on the IL with a stress reaction in his left leg, isn't due back until at least August.  

"Both players would add to your rotation when they come back," Reds general manager Nick Krall said. "Anything else you do, you’re doing it for the short term but you also want to add quality guys if possible. You’d have to find the right match to make that trade.”

Despite expecting 2023 to be a rebuilding season, the Reds could pivot to become Trade Deadline buyers. That could mean using prospect capital or tapping into big league infield and outfield depth.

"If we’ve got a chance to make the playoffs, we try to make the playoffs any way we can," Krall said. "It’s not about getting top farm systems. That’s great, but at the same time, you’re trying to make moves to sustain winning on your big league club and figure out what that is.”

Designated hitter Tyler Stephenson is among those who would welcome such a push.

"It would be huge to see what the front office could do to help this team win and continue to do what we do," Stephenson said. "We've just got to keep playing quality baseball, and whatever they decide, they’ll decide what’s best for us."

The scoreless tie was snapped in the top of the seventh inning when Stephenson pulled J.P. France's 2-2 pitch for a line drive into the left-field Crawford Boxes for a solo home run. Kevin Newman added a two-out RBI double off the left-field scoreboard.

Alexis Díaz, working for the fifth time in seven days, gave up a run in the ninth inning but held on for his 18th save in 18 attempts. 

"At the end of the day, we’ve got confidence in ourselves that we’re a really good team as well. And it’s huge," Stephenson said. "We’ve got to keep this going."