Graham Ashcraft injury sets up massive test for Reds rookie

The Cincinnati Reds could soon be without one of their top relievers. Graham Ashcraft was unavailable on Tuesday night at Dodger Stadium after Reds manager Terry Francona revealed that he'd be undergoing an MRI to determine the cause of soreness in his distal forearm.

While Reds Country is hopeful that Ashcraft's injury is minor in nature, it feels like a trip to the IL is all but certain. Anytime a pitcher is dealing with an arm injury of any kind, teams take extra precaution.

As such, the Reds will likely have a void in the backend of their bullpen. Ashcraft has reliably been Francona's go-to guy in the seventh (and sometimes eighth) inning. Scott Barlow will undoubtedly receive some more high-leverage situations if Ashcraft is saddled with an IL stint, but rookie hurler Zach Maxwell could also be thrust into some bigger spots in the coming weeks.

Graham Ashcraft injury sets up massive test for Reds rookie Zach Maxwell

The Reds promoted Maxwell to the big leagues this past week after the fireballer spent the entire minor-league season blowing away hitters with the team's Triple-A affiliate in Louisville. Maxwell possesses a devastating fastball-slider combination and has been working in a cutter as well.

Maxwell has only made two relief appearances to date, but has already struck out six batters over 3⅓ innings of work. The hard-throwing right-hander has overmatched opposing batters with a triple-digit heater, but as expected, has had issues maintaining command. Big Sugar, as he's affectionately known, has walked 14% of the batters he's faced in the big leagues.

If Ashcraft ends up on the IL, obviously the Reds will call up another reliever to take his place. With Nick Lodolo due back on Wednesday, however, the Reds will most likely just shift Nick Martinez into the bullpen. While Martinez could also be another high-leverage reliever for Francona, his ability to go multiple innings might keep Tito from turning to him late in games.

The Reds bullpen will probably be down a man on Wednesday, but with Maxwell, Barlow, and Connor Phillips, the Cincinnati relief corps should be up to the challenge. Losing Ashcraft would definitely hurt, but it'll give some of the Reds young arms a chance to impress.

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