Graham Ashcraft has rough rehab outing with his return to the Reds rotation pending

The Cincinnati Reds are eager to get their starting rotation back to full strength, and Graham Ashcraft is on the cusp of returning from a biceps injury that landed him on the injured list back on August 20th. The Reds saw Hunter Greene return last week from a shoulder injury, and Connor Overton is on a rehab assignment after suffering a back injury in May.

But the Reds will certainly want to see a better performance from Ashcraft when he returns to the Cincinnati rotation than what he put forth during Monday's rehab assignment at Triple-A Louisville.

Ashcraft typically pitches to contact, and the Nashville Sounds racked up a lot of contact last night. During Ashcraft's rehab start for the Louisville Bats, the right-hander lasted less than three innings and allowed eight runs on 11 hits.

Reds RHP Graham Ashcraft had a rough rehab outing.

Graham Ashcraft's outing was more about getting him back into game shape and not so much the results. But allowing a 11 hits over 2.2 innings is not an encouraging sign with his impending return to the Cincinnati Reds rotation.

The one plus was that Ashcraft did not walk a batter and the right-hander did record five punch outs. Reds fans should expect Ashcraft back in the Cincinnati rotation later this week.

The Reds have been fortunate enough this season to have four rookies pitchers who look to be part of the Cincinnati rotation in 2023. Ashcraft, Hunter Greene, Nick Lodolo, and Connor Overton are all likely to head into Goodyear with a starting spot next season.

In all likelihood, Graham Ashcraft will receive his normal 4-day rest and return to the Cincinnati Reds on Saturday to battle the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park. The question then becomes, which member of the Reds current rotation will Ashcraft replace?