SAN FRANCISCO – Cincinnati Reds reliever Graham Ashcraft, who has been on the injured list since the end of May because of a UCL sprain in his right elbow, could be ready to rejoin the Reds bullpen early in the next homestand after being cleared this week for a minor-league rehab assignment.
Ashcraft was to pitch for Triple-A Louisville Aug. 25, Aug. 28 and Aug. 30, then be re-evaluated.
Barring setback, that could mean activation from the IL during next week's home series against the San Diego Padres, with 3 1/2 weeks left in the season.
Meanwhile, starting pitcher Brandon Williamson (shoulder fatigue) was to make another rehab start for Louisville on Aug. 27, with an eye
toward a possible return next week.
"His command's been a little iffy, but health-wise he's been good," manager Terry Francona said.
Williamson missed all of last season recovering and rehabbing from Tommy John surgery.
If both finish healthy and strong down the stretch, that would be a significant step toward the Reds' ability to make offseason plans for their 2027 pitching staff as they try to rebound from one of the team's most disappointing seasons in perhaps decades.
The Reds have some roster flexibility week, with rosters expanding to 28 (by one pitcher and one position player) on Sept. 1.
This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Graham Ashcraft, Brandon Williamson back from Reds IL next week?
