Scouting Report: Graham Ashcraft

Summary

Graham Ashcraft has struggled significantly since Emilio Pagán's hamstring injury forced the Reds into a closer-by-committee approach. Most recently (May 16), Ashcraft allowed four runs on three walks and one hit without retiring a batter in the eighth inning, walking the first three batters on 12 pitches. Since Pagán's injury, Ashcraft has allowed six runs with four walks and a blown save over four innings. He previously blew a save opportunity on May 6 against the Cubs, allowing two runs on two hits including a two-run homer. However, he did contribute to a win on May 9 against Houston with effective relief. Earlier reports noted he has a 1.83 ERA with the hardest cutter in baseball and third-hardest slider, and showed composure against elite hitters like Rafael Devers.