As the Cincinnati Reds consider shifting Graham Ashcraft from the starting rotation to the bullpen, the young right-hander could benefit from studying a pitcher who has successfully navigated a similar transition: former starters who became dominant closers. The path from starter to reliever is not always easy, but history shows that with the right adjustments, it can lead to a revitalized career.
The Challenge of Transitioning to the Bullpen
For a pitcher like Ashcraft, who has predominantly worked as a starter, moving to the bullpen requires a different approach. Starters must pace themselves for multiple innings, but relievers—especially high-leverage arms—must maximize their effectiveness in short bursts. This often means refining mechanics, tweaking pitch selection, and embracing a more aggressive mentality on the mound.
Learning from an Elite Closer
One of the best case studies for Ashcraft is a former starter who thrived after making the bullpen switch—an All-Star closer such as Liam Hendriks or even Reds legend Aroldis Chapman. Hendriks, for example, struggled as a starter early in his career but reinvented himself as a hard-throwing, fearless closer. The key to his transformation lay in increasing velocity, refining his breaking pitches, and adopting a more aggressive, attack-first mentality against hitters.
For Ashcraft, this means leveraging his strengths—his power sinker and cutter—to dominate hitters in shorter appearances. His current arsenal has been effective in the rotation, but by focusing on two or three elite pitches and possibly adding velocity in a one-inning role, he could become a dangerous late-inning weapon for the Reds.
The Reds’ Bullpen Needs a Power Arm
The Reds have seen mixed results from their bullpen in recent seasons, and adding a power arm like Ashcraft could provide a significant boost. His ability to generate ground balls and miss bats would translate well to a relief role, particularly in high-pressure situations. If Ashcraft embraces the challenge and takes notes from successful bullpen converts, he could be a key piece in Cincinnati’s quest for October baseball.
Final Thoughts
Graham Ashcraft has the raw talent to thrive in a bullpen role, but the transition requires adjustments in mindset, mechanics, and approach. By studying the success of elite closers who have made a similar move, he can set himself up for success. If he embraces the challenge, Ashcraft could emerge as a dominant force in the late innings for the Reds, helping solidify a bullpen in need of reliable arms.
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