This Reds starter could help soften the blow if Cincy trades veteran relievers

The Cincinnati Reds’ bullpen has been an asset all season, holding an ERA more than half-a-run better than the starting staff. As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the relief corps could pay off in a different way as trade bait. If Cincinnati decides to deal some of its relievers, internal help could be on the way in the form of Graham Ashcraft.

Ashcraft struggled for much of the first half of the season and was set to be demoted to Triple-A in mid-July before being sent to the IL with right elbow inflammation. His prognosis is unknown as of yet, but manager David Bell indicated that he could return in September. If Ashcraft does rejoin the team in 2024, he would be a welcome addition to the bullpen.

If Graham Ashcraft returns from injury in September, he could serve as a key replacement for any traded bullpen arms.

Ashcraft has only worked as a starter in pro ball, but he made some relief appearances in college at Mississippi State and UAB. A move to the ‘pen would obviously help the Reds if they deplete their relief corps at the deadline, but it could also help Ashcraft as he works back from injury. Cincinnati could limit his innings and play to his strengths.

The right-hander has been significantly better against lefties in his career, and bullpen work would allow the Reds to capitalize on that success. Ashcraft has also been at his best when he has fewer days of rest between his starts.

When pitching on four days’ rest, his opponents’ OPS is .722, while on six or more days’ rest, he holds opponents to an .859 OPS. Ashcraft, like many pitchers, thrives during the first turn through the order, with 35 walks to 109 strikeouts in his career.

If Ashcraft returns late in 2024, he may arrive to find a crowded rotation. Several prospects are knocking at the door. MLB.com predicts six of the top arms will make their big league debut within this season or the next. With the Reds falling further out of the playoff picture, the later part of the season may offer these prospects opportunities to perform in games of little importance. Ashcraft may serve them — and the team — better with a move to the bullpen.

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