Graham Ashcraft UCL Sprain – Heading to 60 Day IL

The Cincinnati Reds were dealt a significant blow to their bullpen on Friday as right-hander Graham Ashcraft was placed on the injured list. Ashcraft has become one of Cincinnati’s most important relief arms during the 2026 campaign, serving in multiple high-leverage situations and helping stabilize the back end of the bullpen. After successfully transitioning from the starting rotation to a relief role, Ashcraft emerged as a trusted option for manager Terry Francona, posting strong numbers for much of the season and frequently handling crucial late-inning assignments. Earlier this year, he carried a microscopic ERA through the season’s first month and established himself as one of the club’s most dependable relievers. Subscribe to our Newsletter by using the popup or the form below!

Graham Ashcraft’s 2026 So Far

Losing Ashcraft is especially concerning for a Reds bullpen that has already dealt with injuries and inconsistency throughout the season. While the club has several talented arms capable of stepping into larger roles, replacing Ashcraft’s versatility and ability to work in high-leverage situations will be difficult. His absence removes one of Cincinnati’s most experienced bullpen pieces and forces other relievers into more demanding assignments at a time when every game matters. If Ashcraft is forced to miss an extended period, the Reds could find themselves scrambling to cover important late-game innings, making this one of the most impactful pitching injuries the organization has suffered so far in 2026.

Graham pitched in 26 games already in 2026 and logged 27 innings. He had a 3.33 ERA and struck out 32 paired with 16 base on balls, and he finished 5 games out with one save for the Reds. Make no mistake, this is a big loss. Looking into the monstrosity that is the Cincinnati Reds bullpen the way it is, losing one of its only positive producers is a big one. Here’s some good news in the rough, he will NOT need Tommy John. He’ll get an injection and go from there. I personally always think they should just go ahead and repair the UCL when there’s a sprain cause we all know what comes next if it’s not this year it’ll be next.

Who Will Replace Graham Ashcraft?

As of now, the Cincinnati Reds selected the contract of Yunior Marte, whom was acquired via Free Agency and was a non roster invitee to this years spring training. He signed on January 23rd of 2026 after being released by the Mariners in early 2025. The guy didn’t even pitch in the minors in 2025. Now, he’ll join a bullpen that has struggled to throw strikes. He had a 5.2 BB/9 last time he was in professional ball.

Among some other names that will need to come back and actually throw strikes and are options:

• Connor Phillips – says a lot he wasn’t reselected by the Reds this time
• Luis Mey – All the arm talent in the world but can’t throw consistent strikes
• Jose Franco – Has a LOT to work on, but I feel like this is our best option to add another solid arm to the bullpen. He will have to come back soon.
• Caleb Ferguson – One of the highest paid on the Reds team, just finally coming back, he will need to throw some REALLY good baseball.