Pirates All-Star Ashcraft out for season with arm fatigue, no structural damage
8 sourcesUpdated Sep 20, 2026
Pittsburgh Pirates All-Star right-hander Braxton Ashcraft will not pitch again this season after experiencing right-arm fatigue and discomfort. Ashcraft said medical evaluations found no structural damage, describing tightness near his pectoral muscle and radial-nerve irritation that emerged late in his first full season. Although he has resumed throwing and played catch from 90 feet, the Pirates will prioritize recovery rather than rush him back. Ashcraft finished a breakout campaign 14-6 with a 3.65 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 173 strikeouts against 35 walks over 165⅓ innings in 28 starts.
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“Pirates All-Star Braxton Ashcraft will not pitch again this season because of arm fatigue”Center· 0 sources
No center coverage yet — a bubble gap.
Losing a guy with that ERA hurts the rotation depth, but at least he'll be ready without a long rehab ahead.
It's smart to shut him down now with no damage found, better to build up for next year than push through fatigue.
