All eyes were on Cincinnati Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft last Tuesday as he took the mound against the Colorado Rockies. Entering his third start of spring training, Ashcraft had posted solid numbers, carrying a 2.25 ERA over four innings with four strikeouts and just one earned run.
He started strong in the first inning, but the game quickly turned in the second. The Rockies capitalized on their opportunities, scoring five runs off Ashcraft. His outing ended after just 2 ⅔ innings, during which he surrendered five runs on eight hits, walked one batter, and struck out two. As a result, his spring training ERA ballooned to 8.10.
With competition heating up for spots in the Reds’ rotation, Ashcraft’s struggles led to criticism about his readiness as a starter. Some have suggested a move to the bullpen, while others have gone as far as to question whether he should make the Opening Day roster at all. However, it may be worth taking a step back to consider the broader perspective.
Graham Ashcraft’s spring struggles don’t warrant an immediate shift to Reds bullpen
Ashcraft’s rough outing shouldn’t overshadow the strong performances he put together earlier in spring training. He dominated the Milwaukee Brewers in his debut and followed that up with a solid showing against the Arizona Diamondbacks, striking out three over two innings.
While inconsistency remains a concern, he has already demonstrated the potential to be a reliable back-end rotation piece.
Additionally, with Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder still working their way back in hopes of getting some reps before the regular season, their readiness remains uncertain. Given that, dismissing Ashcraft’s chances this early would be premature.
What makes Ashcraft particularly intriguing is his rare combination of velocity and movement. His primary weapon is a high-velocity cutter in the upper 90s, complemented by a wipeout slider and an occasional sinker.
He has experimented with a changeup, though his command of the pitch remains inconsistent. If he can refine it and add it effectively to his arsenal, he has the potential to become a key piece in the Reds’ rotation.
With three weeks left in spring training, there’s still time for Ashcraft to make adjustments. His raw talent is evident, and while struggles are part of the process, writing him off now would be shortsighted. Rather than dwelling on one difficult inning, he should be given the opportunity to fine-tune his mechanics and prove he belongs in the starting rotation.
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