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Cincinnati Reds Activate Graham Ashcraft, Designate Sam Moll for Assignment
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- Cincinnati Reds Activate Graham Ashcraft, Designate Sam Moll for Assignment
The Cincinnati Reds have made room for Graham Ashcraft 's return, activating the right-hander from the 60-day injured list and designating left-hander Sam Moll for assignment.
The roster move was announced by the Reds on X on Sunday, Sept. 6, as Cincinnati prepared for a crucial matchup with the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park.
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Ashcraft returned to the mound Sunday for his first appearance since May 25, immediately stepping back into a meaningful bullpen role for Cincinnati.
The right-hander entered in the eighth inning and initially ran into trouble, walking the first two batters he faced. He recovered by striking out former National League MVP Christian Yelich , helping Cincinnati avoid further damage.
Ashcraft had established himself as a useful bullpen option before his injury. He entered the season with 27 relief appearances, recording a 3.54 ERA, 1.29 WHIP and 34 strikeouts across 28 innings while holding opponents to a .186 batting average.
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His return comes at a critical point for Cincinnati, which entered Sunday at 69-74 and last in the National League Central. The Reds are well behind Milwaukee, but the Brewers' position at the top of the division makes every late-season matchup meaningful.
Moll becomes the roster casualty after spending much of the season as a heavily used left-handed option. The veteran appeared in 65 games for Cincinnati, posting a 4.79 ERA, 1.49 WHIP and 56 strikeouts across 56.1 innings.
Cincinnati Reds relief pitcher Graham Ashcraft (23) John Hefti-Imagn Images
Moll allowed 54 hits and 30 walks during his 2026 campaign, creating an opening for the Reds to make a change with Ashcraft now healthy enough to return.
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The timing is especially notable after Cincinnati's offense erupted for a 12-8 victory over Milwaukee. While the Reds remain out of the division race, Ashcraft's return gives the club another arm to evaluate heading into the final weeks of the season.
For Cincinnati, the move closes Moll's current run with the organization while giving Ashcraft an opportunity to prove he can strengthen the bullpen down the stretch.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Sep 6, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
