Trusted Reds broadcaster gives Graham Ashcraft vote of confidence if moved to bullpen

If The Cowboy is good with it...

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The narrative surrounding Graham Ashcraft has long suggested a move to the bullpen was imminent. Seemingly after each injury or career setback, the right-hander’s role in the rotation came up for debate. With Cincy entering spring training without a rotation spot to spare, now seems to be the time, and Cincinnati Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley just lent his voice to the growing chorus in support of the idea.

Brantley noted during the Reds Caravan that Ashcraft’s “arsenal and demeanor” are a strong fit for a relief role, according to The Athletic’s C. Trent Rosecrans. He has nasty stuff, but he hasn’t always been able to generate results, particularly after his first time through the order. From plate appearance No. 1 to No. 2, opponents’ slugging rises from .379 to .441 while Ashcraft’s strikeout-to-walk ratio drops from 3.11 to 1.84.

Reds broadcaster Jeff Brantley is one of many proponents of a plan to move Graham Ashcraft to the bullpen

Ashcraft has never fully settled in as a starter in the big leagues. His ERA is just south of 5.00, and he averages about 5 ½ innings per start. Those figures were even worse in 2024 when he put up a 5.24 ERA and completed just over 5 innings per start. As a reliever, though, the concerns about going deep into games would disappear.

Ashcraft has a reputation for an all-power, all-the-time approach, as noted by Baseball America. As currently constructed, the Reds don’t have that many power options in the bullpen. Sure, Tony Santillan can crank it up to 97 mph, but he has been inconsistent and injury-prone. That leaves Emilio Pagán as the sole dominant righty.

A trip to the bullpen would also help relieve the pile-up in the rotation. Even Rhett Lowder will be fighting for air as the Reds begin spring training, and in a one-on-one battle, my money’s on Lowder over Ashcraft. That doesn’t take into consideration any of the other prospects, from Chase Petty to Chase Burns, who are likely to cut their teeth in the majors this year.

From every angle, moving Ashcraft to the ‘pen is the most beneficial thing the Reds can do as Opening Day nears.

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