Braxton Ashcraft

Braxton Ashcraft allowed four runs on seven hits in 6.2 innings, did not walk a batter, and struck out five against the Phillies on Friday.

Fantasy Impact

Ashcraft left with the lead on Friday, but the Pirates' bullpen imploded over the final 3.1 innings. He struck out five Phillies, extending his streak to eight consecutive starts with at least five punchouts. Ashcraft is 1-0 with a 2.11 ERA in three May starts and, overall, is 2-2 with a 3.09 ERA and 56 strikeouts in 55.1 innings. He is scheduled to take on the Cardinals, in St. Louis, on Thursday.

Braxton Ashcraft allowed a run on six hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out six as the Pirates defeated the Giants, 13-3, on Saturday.

Fantasy Impact

It's time to add Ashcraft to the list of players not talked about enough in 2026. The righthander threw another gem on Saturday, making one mistake in the fifth that led to Bryce Eldridge's first major league home run. Ashcraft has now allowed two earned runs or fewer in seven of his eight starts and has struck out at least five batters in his last seven outings. He is tied for seventh in the National League with 51 strikeouts and, overall, is 2-2 with a 2.77 ERA, a 1.05 WHIP, and a 51:14 K:BB ratio in 48.2 innings this season. The only thing that may become a concern later in the year is that he has thrown more than 100 innings in a season once in his career - tossing a career-high 118 innings last season between Indianapolis and Pittsburgh. But, that's for later. Right now, ride him while he's hot. He's scheduled to take on the Phillies, in Pittsburgh, on Friday.

Braxton Ashcraft allowed only four hits over 7.2 scoreless innings on Sunday, but had to settle for a no-decision against the Reds. Ashcraft walked two and struck out six.

Fantasy Impact

Ashcraft went 7.2 innings on Sunday in what was the longest start of his career. He needed only 82 pitches which, ironically, was his second lowest pitch total of the year. Ashcraft ran into his stiffest test in the eighth after he allowed a leadoff single to Spencer Steer and then a one-out double to Jose Trevino, putting runners at second and third. Matt McLain followed with a grounder to third that Nick Gonzales fielded and threw a strike to the plate to nab Steer, keeping the Reds off the board. Gregory Soto came on in relief and struck out TJ Friedl to end the threat. Ashcraft lowered his season ERA to 3.02 and will face the Giants in his next scheduled start on Saturday.

Braxton Ashcraft lasted just 4.1 innings on Tuesday and allowed six runs on six hits, walked three, and struck out seven as the Pirates suffered an 11-7 loss to the Cardinals.

Fantasy Impact

Ashcraft didn't get out of the fifth inning for the first time this season, allowing more than two earned runs for the first time in his six starts. Of the six hits he allowed, four went for extra bases - including two home runs. Ashcraft still has solid numbers on the year and he'll take a 3.71 ERA and a 39:12 K:BB ratio into his next start against the Reds on Sunday.

The Pirates activated RHP Braxton Ashcraft off the bereavement list.

Fantasy Impact

Ashcraft returns to the Pirates after being away for several days. He will start on Tuesday.