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**Pirates Call Up Top Prospect Braxton Ashcraft to Bolster Bullpen**

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have promoted right-handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft, ranked as their No. 7 overall prospect, to the major leagues. The 25-year-old will join the team from Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of their series against the Arizona Diamondbacks and is expected to debut as a reliever, filling a need in the Pirates’ bullpen.

To make room for Ashcraft on the 26-man roster, reliever Isaac Mattson was optioned back to Triple-A.

Ashcraft, a second-round pick in 2018, has faced challenges with injuries throughout his career, including Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a shoulder dislocation in 2019. However, he has displayed significant potential when healthy. In 2023, he excelled across three minor league levels, posting a combined 2.39 ERA. He started strong at Triple-A last season before injuries sidelined him. This season he has a 5.03 ERA in 10 starts for Indianapolis, striking out 56 in 48 1/3 innings. In his most recent start, Ashcraft pitched six innings, allowing three runs while striking out nine.

Known for a fastball that has reached 99 mph, Ashcraft also features a slider, curveball, and changeup in his repertoire. The Pirates are hoping his arm provides a spark to their bullpen.

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