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.