Reds’ Potential Strategy Shift for Graham Ashcraft Unveiled
Amidst whispers of change within the Cincinnati Reds’ pitching lineup, the fate of Graham Ashcraft seems to hang in the balance. After facing a setback last season due to a right elbow strain, Ashcraft’s role in the upcoming season has become a subject of speculation and intrigue.
Insights from Derek Johnson
Derek Johnson, the Reds’ pitching coach, recently shed light on the team’s intentions regarding the 26-year-old right-hander. In an interview with Mike Petraglia of CLS Media, Johnson hinted at a possible tactical maneuver involving Ashcraft.
Johnson expressed the team’s current stance on Ashcraft’s position, stating, “I’m going to prepare him – and he’s preparing himself – right now as a starter, sort of with the understanding that we may switch gears on him in the middle of spring training, kind of looking at him in that way.”
While Ashcraft is gearing up to compete for a starting role, Johnson suggested that the team is open to exploring alternative options for the talented pitcher. Johnson emphasized, “So what his role ends up being, I think that we’ll have to make a decision on that sometime relatively in the middle of spring training. But I love the kid and I want him to do well. He deserves it based on how he would go about it.”
Ashcraft’s Road to Recovery
Despite Ashcraft’s injury setback last season, Johnson reassured fans that Ashcraft is on the mends and will be ready for the upcoming season. The right-hander, who appeared in 15 games in 2024, ended his season prematurely due to the elbow strain. However, Johnson expressed confidence in Ashcraft’s recovery, affirming, “He says he’s 100 percent. He’s still doing all of his physical therapy that they’ve asked him to do but in terms of being ready, he is ready.”
As the Reds gear up for the new season, the potential shift in Ashcraft’s role adds an intriguing layer of anticipation to the team’s dynamics. With Johnson’s strategic insights and Ashcraft’s determination to excel, the upcoming season promises to be one of transformation and resilience for the Cincinnati Reds.
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