CINCINNATI (WKRC) – The Cincinnati Reds have strengthened their pitching staff for the stretch run, just two games out of the final Wild Card spot.
The team on Thursday activated right-handed pitchers Graham Ashcraft and Chase Burns from the 15-day injured list. Ashcraft had been sidelined due to a right forearm strain, while Burns was recovering from a grade 1 right flexor strain.
The Reds optioned right-handed pitchers Lyon Richardson and Yosver Zulueta to AAA Louisville.
Brent Suter remains the lone left-hander in the bullpen. Ashcraft and Burns join fellow righties Nick Martinez, Zach Maxwell, Connor Phillips, Scott Barlow, Tony Santillan and Emilio Pagan.
Cincinnati opens a three-game series against the Athletics starting Friday. There are just 16 games remaining. The New York Mets have lost five in a row, leaving the Reds and San Francisco Giants just two games back.