The Pittsburgh Pirates have called up their No. 7 prospect, right-handed starting pitcher Braxton Ashcraft, from Triple-A Indianapolis. The 25-year-old joined the team in Arizona in time for Monday night’s game against the Diamondbacks. When he appears in a game, it will be his major league debut. Another rookie pitcher, Isaac Mattson, was dispatched to Indy to make room for Ashcraft.
We have recalled RHP Braxton Ashcraft from Triple-A Indianapolis, and optioned RHP Isaac Mattson to Triple-A Indianapolis to make room for Ashcraft on the 26-man active roster.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) May 26, 2025
Pirates Call Up No. 7 Prospect Braxton Ashcraft
In 10 starts with Indianapolis this season, Ashcraft was 3-3 with a 5.03 ERA and 1.490 WHIP. Opponents are hitting .273 against him. On the surface, his promotion is a head-scratcher while No. 1 prospect Bubba Chandler continues to excel in Indy. The Pirates’ brain trust may have been persuaded by Ashcraft’s most recent outing, when he struck out a season-high nine batters in six innings in a 3-0 loss to the Toledo Mud Hens.
Or perhaps they view his 2025 season as an aberration, given that the 2024 season was his best as a professional despite being shortened by an injury. Across two levels in 2024, he posted a 2.84 ERA and 1.068 WHIP in 16 games, which included 14 starts. At six-foot-five, 220 pounds, Ashcraft’s fastball averages 95 mph and reached 98 last year. Ashcraft also features a slider, curve, and changeup. He’s not afraid to pitch inside, as evidenced by the six batters he’s plunked already in 2025.
According to the ever-diligent Alex Stumpf of MLB.com, Pirates manager Don Kelly plans to employ Ashcraft out of the bullpen. Sixty-nine of his 71 minor league appearances have been starts. However, Ashcraft is a logical choice for the bullpen given his injury history, which includes missing all of 2022 due to Tommy John surgery. Furthermore, Monday aligns with his turn to pitch in Indy’s rotation, so he’d be available out of the pen immediately.
Braxton Ashcraft has been recalled and will be used as a bulk reliever, per manager Don Kelly. Could still be a starter down the road, but for right now, the Pirates’ No. 7 prospect will be a reliever.
— Alex Stumpf (@AlexJStumpf) May 26, 2025
Down Goes Mattson
Mattson’s contract was selected on the 20th when Colin Holderman went on the injured list. He was solid in his three relief appearances, surrendering one run, one hit (a home run), and a walk in three innings while striking out four. Mattson becomes the latest victim in a season that’s rapidly taking on the look of a tryout camp. The Pirates had recently called up shortstop Tsung-Che Cheng and outfielder/first baseman Matt Gorski, giving them brief trials before sending them back to Triple-A. Nick Solak, too, was added to the club on May 16 but has not appeared in a game since the 19th after going 1-for-10. Now Ashcraft enters the revolving door as Mattson exits. But it wouldn’t be surprising to see Mattson back in a Pittsburgh uniform the next time bullpen help is needed.
The post Pirates Call Up No. 7 Prospect Ashcraft to Make MLB Debut appeared first on Last Word On Baseball.