Cincinnati Reds add Graham Ashcraft to starting rotation, Colin Moran sent to Triple-A

The Cincinnati Reds started the season with highly-touted prospects Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo in their Opening Day rotation, and now they’re adding another highly-touted rookie.

Graham Ashcraft was called up to start Friday’s game against the San Francisco Giants and he’s expected to remain in the rotation moving forward. Ashcraft made his debut last Sunday in Toronto, allowing two runs and four hits in 4 1/3 innings, but that came as a substitute player after players went on the restricted list.

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Left-hander Ross Detwiler was activated from the bereavement list and the Reds optioned infielder Colin Moran and reliever Jared Solomon to Triple-A Louisville. Lefty reliever Justin Wilson was transferred to the 60-day injured list to make room for Ashcraft on the 40-man roster.

“We saw it the other day, we’ve seen it in spring training, just exciting stuff,” Reds Manager David Bell said of Ashcraft. “Still young. If he does stay here, there is going to be continued development while he is here. That’s good with us. He definitely has the ability with his stuff, with who he is, to go out and put up quality starts. That’s why have confidence in bringing him here. We feel like he’s ready for the challenge.”

Ashcraft had a 3-1 record and a 1.65 ERA in seven starts at Triple-A Louisville this season. The Reds had openings in their rotation after injuries to Lodolo and Connor Overton, but Ashcraft was always viewed as the next prospect in line to earn a spot in the rotation.

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“He believes he belongs here, for sure,” Bell said. “In a good way, not an overconfident way. I do think that’s one of the advantages of extra steps, extra time in the minor leagues and extra development where you feel like mentally, you want to be here, but the more success you have in the minor leagues, the more you really believe in yourself. That can help set you up for success.

“There was definitely an argument for having him make the team out of spring training because of his ability. I do think when handled properly, it can set you up better down the road.”

The Reds sent Moran to Louisville to give him more of an opportunity to receive regular at-bats. The Reds should have a few players returning in the next couple of weeks from rehab assignments, including outfielder Jake Fraley, shortstop Jose Barrero and infielder Max Schrock.

Moran was the Reds’ starting first baseman when Joey Votto was sidelined on the COVID IL, and he returned to a bench role when Votto returned. Moran was hitting .202 with four homers and 22 RBI in 94 at-bats.

“More than anything, just getting him at-bats,” Bell said of Moran. “He also made improvements defensively. From the very beginning of spring training, when he got here, I’ve never seen somebody take so many ground balls. He was working every single day he was here. I really believe he got better.”

Solomon made five relief appearances with the Reds, allowing three hits and two runs in 4 2/3 innings.

“I fully expect him to be back at some point,” Bell said. “Next time, maybe it’s in more of a higher-leverage role. He definitely has the stuff for that and he’s on that path. But, for now, he’ll go pitch in Triple-A.”

OFFENSIVE NUMBERS: The Reds scored more runs in Thursday's 20-5 win over the Chicago Cubs than any game this century.

It was the most runs scored in a game since the Reds beat Philadelphia, 22-3, on Sept. 4, 1999. It's the first time the Reds had 20 runs and 20 hits in a game since a 24-12 win at Coors Field in Colorado on May 19, 1999.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Graham Ashcraft joins Reds starting rotation, Colin Moran to AAA