Pirates Option Right-Hander Braxton Ashcraft to Minor-League Camp

The Pittsburgh Pirates have optioned right-handed pitching prospect Braxton Ashcraft to minor-league camp. Ashcraft is ranked as the Pirates’ seventh-best prospect according to MLB Pipeline’s ranking.

The 24-year-old made four appearances for the Pirates this spring and totaled 3.2 innings pitched. He allowed two unearned runs on two hits and two walks and struck out three batters.

Ashcraft returned from Tommy John surgery in 2023 and split time between three levels, reaching as high as Double-A Altoona for the first time. He finished the year 0-3 with a 2.39 ERA in 19 starts. The right-hander totaled 52.2 innings, allowed 46 hits, walked 11 and struck out 63.

The Pirates added Ashcraft to their 40-man roster during the offseason to protect him from being exposed to the Rule 5 draft.

There are now 54 players remaining in big-league camp for the Pittsburgh Pirates.