Ashcraft is slated to start Friday's game against the Cubs at Wrigley Field, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

After making his previous nine appearances out of the bullpen, Ashcraft picked up his second MLB start this past weekend against the Reds as a replacement in the rotation for Johan Oviedo, who was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. Though he was limited to 56 pitches in his outing versus Cincinnnati, Ashcraft was effective during his time on the mound, striking out five while allowing five baserunners over 3.1 innings. He'll be rewarded with a second turn through the rotation this weekend, and Ashcraft could push his pitch count up to the 65-to-80 range now that he's on a starter's schedule. Whether Ashcraft will be stick around in the rotation for the rest of the season is still unclear; Friday marks the first day that prospects who are called up for the first time in 2025 won't be able to exceed 45 days of service time, which will keep them eligible for 2026 Rookie of the Year Award consideration. With that in mind, prized pitching prospect Bubba Chandler could soon get called up from Triple-A to make his MLB debut, and Ashcraft may move back to the bullpen to accommodate him.

Ashcraft did not factor into the decision in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the Reds, allowing one run on three hits and one walk with five strikeouts over 3.1 innings.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft opened with three scoreless frames before allowing a run and recording just one out in the fourth. The 25-year-old generated eight whiffs on 56 pitches in what proved to be his longest outing of the season. He owns a 3.19 ERA, 1.36 WHIP and 33:13 K:BB across 36.2 innings and tentatively lines up for a tough road matchup with the Cubs next weekend.

Ashcraft will start Saturday's game against the Reds, Danny Demilio of PittsburghBaseballNow.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft will be making his second start of the season after posting a 3.24 ERA and 1.38 WHIP across 33.1 innings while primarily serving as a middle reliever. The 25-year-old righty has reached the three-inning mark three times this year, so he may remain in the game for multiple frames before turning the game over to the Pirates' bullpen.

Ashcraft (2-0) allowed one earned run on five hits and no walks while striking out two across 2.2 innings Saturday against the Mets.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft entered the game following a lengthy rain delay, relieving Bailey Falter. Ashcraft didn't showcase the same dominance that he has at different points in a similar long-relief role, but he largely worked his way out of trouble in both the third and fourth frames. He had just shifted into a traditional starting role, though this outing could push him back into the bullpen for the time being.

Ashcraft did not factor into the decision in Monday's 5-4 win at Milwaukee, allowing one hit and no walks over three scoreless innings with two strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

The 25-year-old rookie made all seven of his previous appearances out of the bullpen, so he wasn't expected to go deep in this contest. Ashcraft managed to stymy the Brewers lineup across his 35 total pitches, 28 of which were strikes. Prior to being called up May 26, the right-hander had started 10 games for Triple-A Indianapolis, so it is possible that the Pirates are seeking to incorporate Ashcraft into the big league rotation. Through 14.2 total major-league innings, he has pitched to a 1.23 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 12:6 K:BB.

Achcraft will start Monday's series opener against the Brewers in Milwaukee, Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

After making his first seven appearances out of the Pittsburgh bullpen following his May 26 call-up from Triple-A Indianapolis, Ashcraft will make his first career major-league start against a red-hot Brewers lineup that has averaged 10.8 runs per contest during its active four-game winning streak. The right-hander has fared well thus far while working in relief, producing a 1.54 ERA and 1.29 WHIP with 10 strikeouts over 11.2 innings. He's maxed out at 40 pitches in those relief outings, but the Pirates could be comfortable with him covering somewhere around 60-to-80 pitches Monday after he had previously built up to six innings during his time in the minors. Even so, the fact that Ashcraft likely won't handle a traditional starter's workload in addition to the tough matchup limits his appeal as a streaming option.

Ashcraft (1-0) allowed one hit and two walks with no strikeouts across 1.1 scoreless innings to earn the win Sunday against the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

This marked Ashcraft's fourth appearance in the majors and came in a high-leverage spot. He relieved Paul Skenes in the eighth inning of a 1-1 game, and he remained in for the ninth after the Pirates took the lead. One of the walks was intentional, but this still wasn't one of Ashcraft's more dominant appearances, as he failed to generate a swinging strike and also allowed some hard contact. Despite that, he managed to earn the first win of his big-league career.

Ashcraft allowed two hits and one walk while striking out one across three scoreless relief innings Monday against the Diamondbacks.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft was promoted to the majors Monday and immediately made his debut working out of the bullpen. He pitched with the Pirates down by five but managed a scoreless outing and preserved the team's bullpen. Ashcraft may remain in a long-relief role for the time being, but as one of the organization's best prospects, he should have a chance to enter the rotation at some point during the summer.

The Pirates recalled Ashcraft from Triple-A Indianapolis on Monday, Noah Hiles of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft has started in all 10 outings in Triple-A this season, but the 25-year-old right-hander will serve in a bulk relief role out of the Pirates' bullpen, per Alex Stumpf of MLB.com. Ashcraft has a 4.84 ERA, 1.50 WHIP and 56:19 K:BB across 48.1 innings in Triple-A this season, and his first appearance with the Pirates will be his major-league debut. Isaac Mattson was optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Ashcraft is expected to join the Pirates in Arizona on Monday, Alex Stumpf of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft will join the Pirates in Arizona ahead of the team's three-game series against the Diamondbacks. The right-hander has made 10 starts with Triple-A Indianapolis this season, posting a 4.84 ERA and 1.50 WHIP with 56 strikeouts over 48.1 innings. It's unclear if Ashcraft is going to travel with the team solely as part of the taxi squad or if he is set to join Pittsburgh's 26-man roster; if the latter, his first appearance with the team will be his major-league debut.