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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Blows save chance Wednesday
Rotowire
Ashcraft blew his save opportunity during the Reds' 7-6 extra-inning loss to the Cubs on Wednesday. He allowed two runs on two hits while striking out one in the ninth inning.
The Reds' four-run rally in the top of the ninth inning gave the team a two-run lead. With Tony Santillan being used Tuesday, manager Terry Francona turned to Ashcraft to close things out in the bottom of the frame. Ashcraft opened the inning strongly by striking out Michael Busch, but after yielding a single to Carson Kelly, Ashcraft's 89-mph slider was smacked to left-center field by Pete Crow-Armstrong for a two-run homer to tie the game at 6-6. With Emilio Pagan expected to miss the next 4-to-8 weeks due to a Grade 2 left hamstring strain, Ashcraft and Santillan figure to be the top closer options for the Reds. However, more outings like Wednesday's could result in Ashcraft being used as the setup arm for Santillan for as long as Pagan is sidelined.
The Reds activated Ashcraft (personal) from the bereavement list Saturday.
Ashcraft went on the team's bereavement list Wednesday, but he is back with the Reds and available for the rest of the weekend road series against the Pirates. He has not given up an earned run since April 3 and boasts a 1.20 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 15:8 K:BB across 15 innings this season. Zach Maxwell was optioned to Triple-A Louisville in a corresponding move.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Goes on bereavement list
Rotowire
The Reds placed Ashcraft on the bereavement list Wednesday.
By rule, Ashcraft will be away from the team for at least three and as many as seven games. Luis Mey was recalled from Triple-A Louisville to replace Ashcraft in the bullpen.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Earns save with ABS assist
Rotowire
Ashcraft walked one and struck out one over a scoreless 10th inning to earn the save in Sunday's 7-4 win over Minnesota.
Cincinnati closer Emilio Pagan was unable to lock down the win in the ninth, necessitating Ashcraft's appearance in the extra frame. His final pitch was originally called a ball but was overturned on an ABS challenge for strike three and earned the reliever his first career save. Ashcraft, who has a 1.50 ERA with 14 strikeouts and six holds over 12 innings, is a key component of what has been MLB's best bullpen in terms of ERA (2.31 over 85.2 innings).
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Earns hold Saturday
Rotowire
Ashcraft walked one and struck out one over a scoreless seventh inning to earn a hold in Saturday's 2-0 win over Texas.
Ashcraft recorded his third hold in six appearances while working mostly in the seventh inning of games. He has a 3.00 ERA with 11 strikeouts and three walks over six innings.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Fans two in spring debut
Rotowire
Ashcraft struck out two and walked one over a scoreless inning during Sunday's Cactus League game against the Mariners.
Ashcraft was charged with taking care of the third inning Sunday, and while his day started with a walk to Cal Raleigh, he struck out the next two batters and induced a groundout to end the frame. The 28-year-old is expected to begin the regular season in a high-leverage role, though this is the southpaw's first spring working as a reliever. He recently spoke on his focus entering camp, stating, "I've got to keep pounding the zone like I was last year and let stuff happen. I'm a ground ball guy," per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. "Stay after them. Don't back down. You have to go in there and shut the door."
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Wins arbitration case
Rotowire
Ashcraft will earn $1.75 million in 2026 after winning his arbitration hearing against the Reds, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.
The three-person arbitration panel sided with Ashcraft rather than the Reds' $1.25 figure. Ashcraft had a solid 2025 campaign in his first year as a full-time reliever, posting a 3.99 ERA and 64:25 K:BB over 65.1 regular-season innings. He's slated for a middle-relief role again in 2026.
The Reds activated Ashcraft (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.
Ashcraft was shelved for the past two weeks with a right forearm strain, but he'll skip a rehab assignment and rejoin the Reds' bullpen for their weekend series against the Athletics. The right-hander has posted a 3.72 ERA and 56:24 K:BB over 58 innings in 2025 in his first season as a full-time reliever.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Resumes throwing program
Rotowire
Ashcraft (forearm) played catch Saturday, MLB.com reports.
Ashcraft was placed on the 15-day injured list Aug. 27 due to a right forearm strain, which an MRI confirmed to be inflammation in a muscle near his wrist. The next step for Ashcraft is to throw a side session Sunday and then face live hitters.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Shelved with forearm strain
Rotowire
The Reds placed Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a right forearm strain.
Ashcraft will be eligible for activation Sept. 9, but even if he's able to recover from the forearm strain with rest and rehab rather than season-ending surgery, he's still likely to need more than 15 days to move past the issue. He'll cede his spot on the 26-man active roster to lefty Nick Lodolo (finger), who was activated ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday versus the Dodgers. Ashcraft had emerged as a key late-inning weapon for the Reds in his first season as a full-time reliever and had been especially effective so far in August, logging 1.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB and collecting five holds in 11.1 innings over his 12 appearances on the month.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Slated for MRI
Rotowire
Ashcraft will receive an MRI on his right forearm, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.
Ashcraft has reportedly been dealing with some soreness in his forearm near his wrist, so the Reds will have him undergo imaging to determine whether his discomfort is the result of a structural issue. The team will likely determine if a move to the injured list is necessary once the results of his tests come back.
Ashcraft walked one and struck out two over a scoreless inning in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Phillies.
Ashcraft, fresh off the injured list Friday, had a pair of scoreless outings over the weekend. Both appearances were in the seventh inning, as Ashcraft maintains a late-game role out of the Cincinnati bullpen. He has a 3.96 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP with 41 strikeouts and 15 walks across 36.1 innings.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Reinstated Friday
Rotowire
The Reds activated Ashcraft (groin) from the 15-day injured list Friday.
The right-hander landed on the shelf in mid-June due to a groin strain and will rejoin the big-league bullpen without needing a minor-league rehab assignment. In his first season as a reliever, Ashcraft has a 4.19 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB across 34.1 innings while recording nine holds.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Throws Wednesday
Rotowire
Ashcraft (groin) threw about 20 pitches in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Molly Burkhardt of MLB.com reports.
Ashcraft is closing in on a return following a couple of bullpen sessions over the weekend and then Wednesday's batting practice. The next step could be a brief rehab stint, or the Reds could opt to activate him, as the right-hander has completed the 15-day minimum on the IL.
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Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Activity picking up
Rotowire
Ashcraft (groin) threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled for another one Sunday, MLB.com reports.
If all goes well this weekend, Ashcraft will throw a simulated game Wednesday in Boston. The right-hander transitioned this season from starter to reliever, a role for which the organization feels he's suited, with mixed results. The Reds believe Ashcraft has the right makeup to close games, and there was some chatter back in spring training about him getting ninth-inning chances, but Emilio Pagan is currently thriving in that role for Cincinnati.
