CHICAGO -- Pirates All-Star pitcher Braxton Ashcraft is headed to the 15-day injured list with right arm discomfort. Pittsburgh recalled right-hander Antwone Kelly from Triple-A Indianapolis in a corresponding move.
Ashcraft has pitched 95 2/3 more innings in 2026 than he did last season as he soared to a breakout campaign. He has a 3.65 ERA in 165 1/3 innings and has struck out 173.
“It was after that last start that it really jumped up. I think as we sit here right now, it does not appear to be anything structural,” Pirates manager Don Kelly said Thursday. “Still going through some tests to determine exactly what's going on, but just unfortunately, he's going to have to go on the IL.”
In six starts in August, Ashcraft worked to a 2.13 ERA and helped Pittsburgh to five wins. His first start in September didn’t go as smoothly, and he exited after 67 pitches.
The Pirates remained watchful of Ashcraft's increased workload throughout the season.
“It’s September. I don't think anybody's feeling fantastic, but I'm able to pitch,” Ashcraft said after his last start. “I want to pitch. It’s just one of those things. I don't think you could ask anybody in the league if they feel great right now and they'd say yes. So yeah, I feel serviceable.
"Just focusing on recovery in between starts, prioritizing that and everything right now. There's a little bit more emphasis on the recovery piece of things, but that's the long answer. The short answer is I feel fine."
“It’s something that we've talked about all year long," Kelly said. "It's always tough when you're trying to navigate this, and you never know; there is no magic number. There's no science behind it. You're just trying to go through the season, put the guys in the best position possible, and with Braxton, hopefully everything is minor in a sense, and he can get back soon.”
Ashcraft could return on Sept. 22 at the earliest, which is unlikely given that it’s the last week of the regular season. In his absence, Kelly or Khristian Curtis is likely to start Friday at Wrigley Field.