Graham Ashcraft's spring stumble added fuel to a looming Reds decision

After beginning his Major League career as a starter, Graham Ashcraft was moved to the Cincinnati Reds bullpen last season. Ashcraft typically operated as a high-leverage reliever, seeing most of his appearances in the seventh inning or later. But his early-spring hiccup on Thursday could have some Reds fans wondering if his role should be different in 2026.

During Thursday's Cactus League contest against the San Diego Padres, Ashcraft took the ball at the beginning of the sixth inning. The right-hander lasted less than one inning, however, and was lifted after recording just one out.

Ashcraft's final line upon his exit saw him allow six earned runs on four hits while walking two batters. His lone out came by way of a ground ball to second baseman Michael Chavis who flipped on to the covering Edwin Arroyo.

Seven of the eight spots in the Reds bullpen have already been spoken for. Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagán will be counted upon to handle the eighth and ninth innings, respectively. But everything in between is still up for grabs. Given the number of high-leverage relievers Cincinnati brought in during the offseason, perhaps Ashcraft should operate as the team's long reliever in 2026.

Graham Ashcraft could be the Reds long reliever in 2026

Though Cincinnati added Caleb Ferguson, Brock Burke, and Pierce Johnson this winter, they also lost Nick Martinez, Scott Barlow, and Brent Suter. Martinez started 26 of the 40 games in which he pitched, Barlow logged one or more innings of work 16 times in 2026, and 23 of Suter's 48 appearances went multiple innings. Among the Reds' new additions, only Ferguson was the only one to log multiple innings of work more than a dozen times in 2025.

Ashcraft has the tools to take on that hybrid/ opener/ long-man type of role. Ashcraft himself made 16 multi-inning appearances last season, and was stretched out as a starter. There's no reason to think he can't be prepared to work multiple innings in relief in 2026.

Pitchers like Johnson and Ferguson have closer experience, and Burke was inserted into several high-leverage situations with the Los Angeles Angels last season. That trio of pitchers might be best served coming in during the seventh inning or later while Ashcraft is used in for more prolonged stints.

Ashcraft's hiccup on Thursday shouldn't be held over his head as a reason to remove him from high-leverage situations. It's only one game, and a spring game at that. But the Reds lack a true long reliever, and Ashcraft fits the mold. It could be something to keep an eye on as camp unfolds.