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Pitcher Braxton Ashcraft
Assuming he also doesn’t make his Major League debut by the end of the season, the Pirates will likely protect Braxton Ashcraft from the Rule 5 Draft. Ashcraft has a 2.39 ERA, 2.84 FIP, and 1.08 WHIP through 52.2 innings. He’s struck out nearly 30% of opponents faced with a 29.6% strikeout rate while also keeping an elite 5.2% walk rate. His HR/9 also sits at a quality 0.68-per-9 rate.
Keep in mind, this is after barely pitching over the last three years. But the Pirates have been cautious with Ashcraft, not letting him reach five innings in any start. But given that he’s made such a strong comeback and is pitching so well at Double-A, it would be malpractice not to protect him.