When Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Graham Ashcraft made his last appearance before going on the injured list, his arm looked as dynamic as it had been all season.
In 6 u2154 innings on August 19, the Pittsburgh Pirates swung 16 times at Ashcraft’s slider. They whiffed on nine of them, and Ashcraft’s ability to get swings and misses made David Bell think he had a shot at a complete game.
Ashcraft’s arm felt just as good the next day. As he prepared for his next start with his usual throwing program, however, he might have pushed himself too much.