Cincinnati Reds DFA Sam Moll as Graham Ashcraft returns to bullpen

On September 6, the Cincinnati Reds placed left-handed reliever Sam Moll on waivers, signaling their intent to clear roster space. Moll, who joined the team at the 2023 trade deadline, appeared in 161 relief games this season, tallying a 2-7 record and a 4.79 ERA across 65 games. In a recent matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers on September 4, Moll surrendered two runs in a single inning.

Graham Ashcraft, 28, returned from the 60-day injured list on the same day as his teammate's demotion. Ashcraft missed two-and-a-half months due to a UCL sprain, which he treated with a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection instead of opting for Tommy John surgery. Ashcraft expressed relief at being able to return, stating that missing two or two-and-a-half months was far preferable to a year-and-a-half.

In his brief stint with the Reds this season, Ashcraft compiled a 1-1 record and a 3.33 ERA over 26 appearances. With the bullpen now notably healthier, Ashcraft's return appears poised to bolster the team's defensive capabilities as they confront baseball's most formidable remaining schedule in the final weeks of the regular season.