Cincinnati Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft (calf) is listed as the team's starter for Friday's Cactus League contest against the Cleveland Guardians. Ashcraft had to be removed early from his last spring start due to cramps in his calf, but he looks to be good to go to get back on the bump later this week in a night game in Arizona. The hard-throwing 25-year-old may be better served as a reliever, but the rebuilding Reds will use him in their rotation after he went 5-6 with a 4.89 ERA (4.21 FIP), 1.42 WHIP and 15.3 percent strikeout rate in 19 starts in 2022 in his rookie season. Ashcraft needs to improve his secondary pitches before he's to be considered as anything more than an NL-only asset.

Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft (calf) was forced to exit early during Sunday's Cactus League matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The right-hander looked sharp during his first two innings. He racked up six strikeouts before he was forced to exit early in the third inning due to a left calf issue. The right-hander said afterwards that the injury wasn't concerning. However, the organization might have Ashcraft undergo further testing, so they can be safe. The expectation is that Ashcraft should be able to make his next scheduled start. The 25-year-old has some deep league appeal heading into the season, assuming he can stay healthy.

Cincinnati Reds right-hander Graham Ashcraft (ankle) had to leave his last live batting practice session early after he was hit by a comebacker on his right ankle. However, he threw another live batting practice session on Friday and looked like himself. The 25-year-old appears to be just fine. In his first taste of MLB action in 2022, Ashcraft went 5-6 with a 4.89 ERA (4.21 FIP), 1.42 WHIP and 15.3 percent strikeout rate in 19 starts covering 105 innings pitched for the Reds. He has plenty of developing to do in the big leagues, but he should be a big part of the rebuilding Reds' starting rotation in 2023, which will give him fantasy appeal in deeper leagues.

Cincinnati Reds rookie right-hander Graham Ashcraft (biceps) had a minor league rehab start to forget with Triple-A Louisville on Monday night. He allowed eight runs (six earned) on 11 hits while walking none and striking out five in 2 2/3 innings of work. The good news is he didn't allow a home run and struck out five, but the Reds will probably want to see him make another rehab start in the minors before reinstating him from the injured list. The 24-year-old last pitched for the Reds on Aug. 19. Before his injury, Ashcraft had gone 5-3 with a 3.97 ERA (3.92 FIP), a 1.33 WHIP and a 64:23 K:BB in 93 innings over his first 16 major-league starts for Cincy.

Cincinnati Reds rookie starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft (biceps) is tentatively scheduled to begin a minor league rehab assignment next Wednesday. Ashcraft has been out with biceps soreness and was placed on the injured list on Aug. 23. After throwing a bullpen session earlier this week and a live batting practice session on Friday, the 24-year-old is ready to make appearances in the minor leagues with hopes of returning to the Reds before the 2022 season is over. With very little time left to make an impact for fantasy managers, the right-hander can probably be left to the waiver wire in deeper leagues. In 16 starts for the Reds this year, he's gong 5-3 with a 3.97 ERA (3.93 FIP), a 1.33 WHIP, 64 strikeouts and 23 walks in 93 innings pitched.

The Cincinnati Reds placed rookie right-hander Graham Ashcraft (biceps) and infielder Matt Reynolds (hip) on the injured list on Tuesday and recalled right-hander T.J. Zeuch, catcher Chuckie Robinson and outfielder Stuart Fairchild from Triple-A Louisville in corresponding moves. Catcher Michael Papierski was also optioned to Louisville. Ashcraft is dealing with right biceps soreness and will undergo an MRI exam, but he's expected to pitch again this year. The 24-year-old has pitched better since the All-Star break and is 5-3 overall with a 3.97 ERA (3.93 FIP), a 1.33 WHIP and a 64:23 K:BB in 93 innings pitched over 16 starts in his rookie season. Zeuch is a candidate to take Ashcraft's spot in the Reds rotation.