The Cincinnati Reds announced a roster move on Wednesday.
The Cincinnati Reds have been one of the hottest teams in baseball to open the 2026 season, entering Wednesday’s matchup with the Colorado Rockies at 19-10. The Reds currently own sole possession of first place in the National League Central.
Their pitching staff has been the driving force behind that success, and right-hander Graham Ashcraft has been a major part of the group’s early dominance. Now in his fifth season with Cincinnati, Ashcraft has fully settled into his role as a high-leverage reliever after transitioning from the starting rotation last year.
He has improved drastically in 2026. Through 15 appearances, the 28-year-old owns a 1.20 ERA with 15 strikeouts, giving manager Terry Francona an elite right-handed option late in games. However, the Reds will be without his services in the bullpen after an unfortunate development in Ashcraft's immediate family.
“The #Reds placed on the bereavement list RHP Graham Ashcraft and recalled from Triple-A Louisville RHP Luis Mey,” the Reds wrote on X.
The move comes as Ashcraft steps away from the team to be with his ill grandfather, Francona told reporters pregame (h/t Mike Petraglia of CLNS Media). It is unclear how much time he will miss, but the organization has made it clear he has their full support during his absence.
For a Reds team that has relied heavily on its bullpen during this strong start, losing Ashcraft, even temporarily, is a meaningful blow.
Ashcraft’s journey with Cincinnati has been a steady climb. Drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 MLB Draft, he spent his first three seasons as a starter before shifting to the bullpen in 2025, where he immediately found success.
His improved command and velocity have made him one of the most dependable relievers on the roster, and he remains under team control through the 2029 season, positioning him as a long-term piece of the Reds pitching core.
In Ashcraft’s place, the Reds recalled right-hander Luis Mey from Triple-A Louisville. Mey has flashed intriguing stuff in the minors and will give Cincinnati another bullpen arm as they navigate the upcoming stretch without one of their most trusted relievers.
The Reds have been rolling, and while Ashcraft’s absence is significant, the team’s depth has been a strength, and they will lean on it again as they look to keep their early momentum going. Cincinnati will play one more game against Colorado on Thursday before going on a road trip.