Cincinnati Reds Righty is the First MLB Player to Ever Accomplish This Turnaround

Graham Ashcraft has completely turned his season around as he tries to help push the Reds to the playoffs for the first time since 2020.

The Cincinnati Reds beat the Los Angeles Angels on Tuesday night by a score of 4-3.

It was a critical result for both sides, as the Reds are just 0.5 games back in the National League wild card race. The Angels have now fallen to 10.0 back in the American League and appear all but done.

The Reds were lifted by a Matt McLain home run but also by a dominant pitching performance from righty Graham Ashcraft.

He tossed seven strong innings, allowing three runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out 10. He's now 7-8 on the season with a 4.84 ERA.

Ashcraft is also part of some unique baseball history because of his season turnaround.

Per @OptaSTATS

The @Reds' Graham Ashcraft: Last 10 starts: 2.35 ERA Prev. 10: 10.00 ERA 

Since ERA became official in 1913, no other MLB pitcher has had a 10.00+ ERA over a 10-start span in a season & then had a sub-2.50 ERA over any 10-start span later that same year (let alone back-to-back).

The @Reds' Graham Ashcraft:

Last 10 starts: 2.35 ERA
Prev. 10: 10.00 ERA

Since ERA became official in 1913, no other MLB pitcher has had a 10.00+ ERA over a 10-start span in a season & then had a sub-2.50 ERA over any 10-start span later that same year (let alone back-to-back). pic.twitter.com/CSjI5HJdmZ

— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) August 23, 2023

The Reds are going to need Ashcraft to be this version of himself if they want to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020, as they just got poor news on Nick Lodolo, who may not make it back from injury at all this year to help the cause.

Because of a weather-related postponement on Monday, the two teams are playing a doubleheader on Wednesday.

Game 1 is set for 4:07 p.m. ET while Game 2 begins at 9:38 p.m. ET.

Follow Fastball on FanNation on social media

Continue to follow our Fastball on FanNation coverage on social media by LIKING us on Facebook and by following us on Twitter @FastballFN.

You can also subscribe to "The Payoff Pitch" podcast on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.