Fansided

3 Reds who’ve earned an apology, 2 not quite there

By Zach Pressnell

May 10, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) pitches against the New York Mets in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
May 10, 2023; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Hunter Greene (21) pitches against the New York Mets in the first inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /
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Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft. (Syndication: The Enquirer) /

Graham Ashcraft hasn’t earned an apology from Reds fans yet

In 2022, Graham Ashcraft was incredible for the Reds. He played much better than anybody in the Queen City expected for him to play. He was able to pitch well enough to keep the Reds in almost every one of his starts, holding an ERA below 5 and a WHIP of about 1.4. Ashcraft did so behind the use of three pitches, his slider, his cutter, and his two-seam fastball.

But 2023 hasn’t been the same at all. After getting off to a start much like his 2022 season, Ashcraft collapsed. He seemingly abandoned his two-seam fastball, which made him incredibly more predictable and easier to gameplan against. This collapse consisted of Ashcraft allowing 30 earned runs across his last five starts before ending up on the 15-day IL a few weeks ago.

Ashcraft has a lot left to prove before Reds fans issue any apologies his way. This journey will start with the addition of another pitch that can help guide him to be less predictable on the mound. He is expected to come off the IL this weekend to replace the injured Hunter Greene and his first few starts will be indicative of if he is going to be part of the Reds future pitching rotation plans.

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