The Pittsburgh Pirates have made headlines by calling up right-handed pitching prospect Braxton Ashcraft to the majors. This decision comes as the team looks to bolster its pitching staff ahead of their road trip to Arizona, which begins on 2025-05-27 05:08:00. Ashcraft, who has been on the Pirates’ 40-man roster since November 2023, will step into a long relief role, marking a significant transition from his previous starting position in the minors.
- Braxton Ashcraft called up to majors.
- Isaac Mattson sent to Triple-A.
- Ashcraft to serve as long reliever.
- Mike Burrows remains fifth starter.
- Bubba Chandler still awaiting MLB debut.
- Ashcraft's injury history affects future role.
Manager Don Kelly confirmed that Ashcraft will operate as a bulk pitcher, while Mike Burrows remains the fifth starter. This raises questions among fans about the absence of fellow prospect Bubba Chandler, who has yet to make his MLB debut despite being one of the Pirates’ top talents.
With Ashcraft’s promotion, the Pirates are clearly prioritizing depth in their bullpen. But what does this mean for the future of their pitching prospects? Here are some key developments:
- Ashcraft has a 5.03 ERA in Triple-A, but his underlying metrics suggest potential.
- His fastball reaches 95-98 mph, making him a valuable asset in relief.
- The Pirates are exploring various roles for their young pitchers, indicating a flexible approach.
- Chandler’s delayed debut raises eyebrows, as the team opts for other young arms.
As the Pirates continue their series against Arizona, fans will be eager to see how Ashcraft performs and whether this marks the beginning of a new era for Pittsburgh’s pitching staff.
