Ashcraft struck out two and walked one over a scoreless inning during Sunday's Cactus League game against the Mariners.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft was charged with taking care of the third inning Sunday, and while his day started with a walk to Cal Raleigh, he struck out the next two batters and induced a groundout to end the frame. The 28-year-old is expected to begin the regular season in a high-leverage role, though this is the southpaw's first spring working as a reliever. He recently spoke on his focus entering camp, stating, "I've got to keep pounding the zone like I was last year and let stuff happen. I'm a ground ball guy," per Charlie Goldsmith of Fox 19 Now Cincinnati. "Stay after them. Don't back down. You have to go in there and shut the door."

Ashcraft will earn $1.75 million in 2026 after winning his arbitration hearing against the Reds, Jeff Passan of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

The three-person arbitration panel sided with Ashcraft rather than the Reds' $1.25 figure. Ashcraft had a solid 2025 campaign in his first year as a full-time reliever, posting a 3.99 ERA and 64:25 K:BB over 65.1 regular-season innings. He's slated for a middle relief role again in 2026.

The Reds activated Ashcraft (forearm) from the 15-day injured list Thursday.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft was shelved for the past two weeks with a right forearm strain, but he'll skip a rehab assignment and rejoin the Reds' bullpen for their weekend series against the Athletics. The right-hander has posted a 3.72 ERA and 56:24 K:BB over 58 innings in 2025 in his first season as a full-time reliever.

Ashcraft (forearm) played catch Saturday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

This was Ashcraft's first activity since landing on the injured list Aug. 27 with a forearm strain, which an MRI confirmed to be inflammation in a muscle near his wrist. The next step for Ashcraft is to throw a side session Sunday and then face live hitters.

The Reds placed Ashcraft on the 15-day injured list Wednesday due to a right forearm strain.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft will be eligible for activation Sept. 9, but even if he's able to recover from the forearm strain with rest and rehab rather than season-ending surgery, he's still likely to need more than 15 days to move past the issue. He'll cede his spot on the 26-man active roster to lefty Nick Lodolo (finger), who was activated ahead of his scheduled start Wednesday versus the Dodgers. Ashcraft had emerged as a key late-inning weapon for the Reds in his first season as a full-time reliever and had been especially effective so far in August, logging 1.59 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 8:3 K:BB and collecting five holds in 11.1 innings over his 12 appearances on the month.

Ashcraft will receive an MRI on his right forearm, Gordon Wittenmyer of The Cincinnati Enquirer reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft has reportedly been dealing with some soreness in his forearm near his wrist, so the Reds will have him undergo imaging to determine whether his discomfort is the result of a structural issue. The team will likely determine if a move to the injured list is necessary once the results of his tests come back.

Ashcraft walked one and struck out two over a scoreless inning in Sunday's 3-1 loss to the Phillies.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft, fresh off the injured list Friday, had a pair of scoreless outings over the weekend. Both appearances were in the seventh inning, as Ashcraft maintains a late-game role out of the Cincinnati bullpen. He has a 3.96 ERA and a 1.46 WHIP with 41 strikeouts and 15 walks across 36.1 innings.

The Reds activated Ashcraft (groin) from the 15-day injured list Friday.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander landed on the shelf in mid-June due to a groin strain and will rejoin the big-league bullpen without needing a minor-league rehab assignment. In his first season as a reliever, Ashcraft has a 4.19 ERA, 1.51 WHIP and 38:14 K:BB across 34.1 innings while recording nine holds.

Ashcraft (groin) threw about 20 pitches in a live batting practice session Wednesday, Molly Burkhardt of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Ashcraft is closing in on a return following a couple of bullpen sessions over the weekend and then Wednesday's batting practice. The next step could be a brief rehab stint, or the Reds could opt to activate him, as the right-hander has completed the 15-day minimum on the IL.

Ashcraft (groin) threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled for another one Sunday, MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

If all goes well this weekend, Ashcraft will throw a simulated game Wednesday in Boston. The right-hander transitioned this season from starter to reliever, a role for which the organization feels he's suited, with mixed results. The Reds believe Ashcraft has the right makeup to close games, and there was some chatter back in spring training about him getting ninth-inning chances, but Emilio Pagan is currently thriving in that role for Cincinnati.