Ashcraft vs Lodolo in a pitcher’s duel, with Ashcraft aiming to limit Reds’ hitters and keep Pittsburgh competitive.

Ashcraft joins Oviedo and Skenes in the Pirates’ rotation chatter as Pittsburgh evaluates protected innings and bullpen depth for a potential run in September.

Three innings of shutout relief to close eight innings; kept Oakland at bay while the Pirates extended their lead.

<p>Ashcraft showed early promise with four strikeouts through two innings but couldn’t sustain it, surrendering a multi-run inning that sealed the fate of the Pirates’ night. The volatility of command and the susceptibility to the Cubs’ right-handed hitters loom large for fantasy managers considering him as a streamer.</p><p>Moving forward, his next start becomes a pivotal test against a possibly tougher lineup; the upside remains there, but the risk is elevated by today’s collapse.</p>

Ashcraft carries a 2.47 ERA with limited innings; facing Cubs in a high-scoring expectation game.