{"id":283878,"date":"2026-09-11T16:22:19","date_gmt":"2026-09-11T16:22:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/283878\/"},"modified":"2026-09-11T16:22:19","modified_gmt":"2026-09-11T16:22:19","slug":"pirates-name-braxton-ashcraft-replacement-against-cubs","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/283878\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Name Braxton Ashcraft Replacement Against Cubs"},"content":{"rendered":"

CHICAGO \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates won’t have Braxton Ashcraft for his scheduled start, so they’re turning to another exciting young arm.<\/p>\n

The Pirates will have rookie right-handed pitcher Wilber Dotel start against the Chicago Cubs in the series opener at Wrigley Field on Sept. 11.<\/p>\n

Dotel takes over from Ashcraft, whom the Pirates just put on the 15-day injured list with right-side discomfort<\/a>, and need someone to fill his role. <\/p>\n

It marks the first MLB start for Dotel and one where he can really show he belongs with the Pirates in 2027.<\/p>\n

What the Pirates Have in Dotel<\/p>\n

The Pirates need Dotel throwing, as he can handle a longer outing if needed and is one of their few available arms.<\/p>\n

Dotel was a <\/a>starting pitcher in the minor leagues<\/a>, with 81 starts in 96 games before 2026, and last threw two innings of relief in the 9-3 win over the Chicago White Sox in the series opener at Rate Field on Sept. 8.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Jul 24, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Wilber Dotel (66) pitches against the Chicago Cubs during the seventh inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Pirates have used Dotel as a relief pitcher<\/a>, with all 17 outings across his five stints in MLB this season, taking on as long as four innings and as short as an inning.<\/p>\n

Dotel has put together a strong 2026 campaign<\/a>, despite two of his June outings, where he gave up 10 earned runs over 1.2 innings, being a blemish on his stat line, as he went on the 15-day injured list<\/a> with a right lat muscle strain after them. <\/p>\n

He’s posted a 1.93 ERA outside of that and also pitched well in the second half of the season, a 2.51 ERA over eight games and 14.1 innings pitched, 19 strikeouts to nine walks, a .245 BAA and a 1.26 WHIP.<\/p>\n

Dotel can reach 100 mph with his four-seam fastball, averaging 98.3 mph, while also mixing in his slider and cutter.<\/p>\n

If Dotel can throw two to three innings with limited or no damage, the Pirates will get the most out of their rookie.<\/p>\n

Who Else Will Pitch vs. the Cubs?<\/p>\n

The Pirates have 10 other pitchers out of their bullpen who could feature against the Cubs in this bullpen game.<\/p>\n

Two other rookies who could pitch are right-handers, Khristian Curtis<\/a> and Antwone Kelly, both starting pitchers in the minor leagues, and can take on bulk roles vs. the Cubs.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Sep 3, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates relief pitcher Khristian Curtis (64) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

The Pirates also have two other middle-relief pitchers in Carmen Mlodzinski<\/a> and Yohan Ram\u00edrez<\/a>, if they don’t turn to their rookies.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh may also use right-handed pitcher Lake Bachar or left-handed pitchers in Brandon Eisert<\/a> and Gregory Soto.<\/p>\n

Right-handed pitcher Luke Weaver and left-handed pitcher Mason Montgomery are two pitchers who won’t pitch vs. the Cubs, as they’ve both pitched the past two games. <\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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