Ashcraft Aims to Secure Rotation Spot

Graham Ashcraft enters this year's Spring Training with a different set of expectations. In the past two seasons, he was a lock for the rotation as part of the Reds' young "Big Three" starting pitcher trio alongside Hunter Greene and Nick Lodolo. However, following a series of injuries and inconsistent performances, Ashcraft now finds himself needing to earn his place in the rotation and on the roster.
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Determined to prove his worth, Ashcraft is approaching camp with a renewed sense of purpose and optimism. "I’m coming into camp healthy and strong, and I’m just going to compete, and wherever it ends up, it ends up," Ashcraft said. Acknowledging the possibility of transitioning to a relief role if necessary, he emphasized that his primary focus is on what’s best for the team. "It’s not really about what I want. It’s about what’s best for the team. If they view me going into the bullpen as something better than me starting, then I’ve got to do what I’ve got to do."