Braxton Ashcraft Shines in MLB Debut for Pirates

Braxton Ashcraft, the Pittsburgh Pirates' No. 7 prospect, made his Major League Baseball debut on May 26, pitching three scoreless innings out of the bullpen against the Arizona Diamondbacks and recording his first strikeout with a 91 mph slider. The 25-year-old right-hander was promoted from Triple-A Indianapolis, where he posted a 3-3 record, 5.03 ERA, and 56 strikeouts in 48 1/3 innings this season. Ashcraft, a 2018 second-round draft pick, has overcome multiple injuries, including Tommy John surgery in 2021. Pirates manager Don Kelly praised Ashcraft's resilience and stated he will initially be used in relief but may start in the future. Ashcraft's promotion follows a strong 2023 season across several minor league levels. His debut marks a major step forward in a career shaped by both setbacks and potential.