Cincinnati Reds pitcher Graham Ashcraft has been placed on the 15-day injured list after experiencing forearm discomfort in his most recent outing. Medical tests revealed inflammation near his right wrist, diagnosed as a forearm strain. Fortunately for Ashcraft and the Reds, no structural damage was detected, and the move to the IL was made out of precaution.
The good news: Ashcraft is already showing signs of progress in his recovery. Over the weekend, he resumed light throwing by playing catch — his first baseball activity since landing on the injured list. Team doctors are optimistic he could return before the end of the regular season, offering the Reds a much-needed reinforcement as they continue their late-season push.
The bad news: Cincinnati has not provided a clear timetable for his return. Forearm injuries require careful management, and the Reds’ staff is expected to be cautious with Ashcraft’s workload to avoid setbacks. That uncertainty means his availability for the remainder of the season is still in jeopardy.
“Graham’s doing really well, and we’re relieved this was caught early,” said manager David Bell. “We’ll give him the time he needs, but once he’s ready, he’ll get back to being a big part of this team.”
Despite a year affected by injuries across the roster, Ashcraft’s encouraging progress has brought a sense of optimism to both the Reds’ clubhouse and their fans. His presence on the mound could prove crucial in stabilizing the pitching staff during the final stretch.