Graham Ashcraft's spring struggles don't warrant an immediate shift to Reds bullpen

All eyes were on Cincinnati Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft this past Tuesday as he took the mound against the Colorado Rockies. Making his third start of spring training, Ashcraft entered the matchup with solid numbers, boasting a 2.25 ERA over four innings, with four strikeouts while allowing only one earned run.

After a promising first inning, things took a turn in the second. The Rockies jumped on Ashcraft, capitalizing on their opportunities and tallied up five runs. He finished the outing going just 2 ⅔ innings and allowed five runs on eight hits with one walk and two strikeouts, inflating his spring training ERA to 8.10.

Given the competition in the Reds’ rotation, many critics were quick to question Ashcraft’s readiness for a starting role. Some have suggested that he be shifted to the bullpen, while a more extreme stance argues that he may not warrant an Opening Day roster spot at all. However, perhaps it’s time to take a step back and examine the bigger picture.

Graham Ashcraft's spring struggles don't warrant an immediate shift to Reds bullpen

Yes, Ashcraft’s outing was rough, but it doesn’t erase the strong performances he delivered prior to this game. In his spring training debut, he dominated the Milwaukee Brewers and followed that up by striking out three over two innings against a formidable Arizona Diamondbacks lineup. While inconsistency is a concern, he has already demonstrated his ability to be an effective back-end rotation piece.

It’s also important to note that Andrew Abbott and Rhett Lowder are still working their way back, in hopes to getting reps in before the regular season begins. Whether they’ll be ready in time or even look the part remains uncertain, meaning pulling the plug on Ashcraft this early would be premature.

Ashcraft possesses a rare combination of velocity and movement, making him an intriguing option. His primary weapon is a high-velocity cutter that sits in the upper 90s, complemented by a wipeout slider and an occasionally used sinker. While he has experimented with a changeup, his command of the pitch remains erratic. If he can refine that offering and add it effectively to his arsenal, he could evolve into a formidable pitcher in the Reds' rotation.

With three weeks remaining in spring training, there is still time for Ashcraft to make adjustments. His raw talent is undeniable, and while growing pains are inevitable, writing him off now would be shortsighted. Instead of focusing solely on one bad inning, let’s allow him the chance to refine his mechanics and prove why he belongs in the starting rotation.

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