Pirates Pitcher Embracing Whatever Opportunities Come His Way

Braxton Ashcraft debuted for the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 26. He hasn’t looked back since.

In 15 appearances in a variety of roles, Ashcraft has posted a 2.17 ERA over 29 innings. He’s made one start, five appearances fewer than two innings and nine multi-inning outings out of the bullpen. He’s a Swiss Army knife in the Pirates’ bullpen and excelled no matter the situation.

On Tuesday, he took the ball in a tie game in the sixth inning. He pitched three scoreless innings without allowing a baserunner and was awarded the win. With the bullpen going seven innings on Monday, the outing was sorely needed.

Ashcraft came through the minors as a starter, but he’s willing to do whatever it takes to help the team win games.

“I said it time and time again, I’m just here to get outs,” Ashcraft said. “Whether that’s in the first inning or at the back end of the game, I’m just happy to be able to help the team win.”

Ashcraft has the arsenal to work in any role. His fastball averaged 97 mph on Tuesday and held throughout the three innings. He’s able to use his slider and curveball both in and out of the strike zone. Most importantly, he throws strikes. Ashcraft threw 71% strikes on Tuesday, keeping hitters on their heels.

Pirates manager Don Kelly likes what he’s seen from Ashcraft so far this season.

“The role that he’s in right now, the way he’s throwing it, the sky’s the limit for how he goes about it,” Kelly said. “He’s prepared, he attacks the zone. He does everything. I could see him starting.”

The Pirates could see the pitching staff shuffled over the next few days. Ashcraft is unlikely to be traded and could fill a number of roles going forward. His goal is to stay in the major leagues. If he keeps pitching as he has, he’ll have no problem sticking around.

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