Outlook Braxton Ashcraft
Braxton Ashcraft provides elite strikeout upside for the fourth-place Pirates despite a home run hurdle
Ashcraft has been a strikeout machine lately, fanning 18 batters over his last 12 innings while allowing just one walk. He recently surrendered three home runs to the Phillies on June 29, but still managed eight punchouts across six frames to preserve a quality outing. He remains a fixture as the number three starter for a Pirates squad that is currently 43-44 and playing through several key injuries to their depth chart.
While his current 3.39 ERA is slightly better than our season projection of 3.89, his elite 10.27 K/9 rate and 1.10 WHIP suggest his 2026 breakout is entirely sustainable. Our models highlight his ability to suppress walks, as evidenced by his 5.00 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His high-strikeout floor ensures he remains a fantasy asset even when his ERA fluctuates due to the occasional long ball.
As a two-start pitcher this week, Ashcraft has one remaining scheduled outing on July 4 against the Nationals. He is slated to match up against Zack Littell, who enters the contest with a struggling 5.29 ERA and a 1.35 WHIP. Given his ability to dominate through the air and a favorable matchup against Washington's rotation depth, Ashcraft should be rostered and active in all formats. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
Latest News Braxton Ashcraft
Outlook Hunter Brown
Hunter Brown emerges as Houston's anchor after dominant return from injury
Brown has been stellar since returning from a shoulder strain, posting a 2.54 ERA over his last three starts. The third-place Astros (43-46) are relying heavily on him as their staff anchor with multiple rotation pieces like Cristian Javier currently on the shelf. Brown slots in as the number one starter in the rotation and looked sharp in his most recent win, tossing six innings while surrendering just two earned runs.
While his 1.84 ERA through five starts this year is elite, his 1.34 WHIP over the last month indicates he is still working on refining his efficiency. However, his 11.80 K/9 suggests his strikeout stuff is better than ever, aligning with the 206 punchouts he recorded during a breakout 2025 campaign. Our models expect him to maintain a 3.42 ERA for the remainder of the season, making his current run a legitimate sign of ace-level production.
Brown has one scheduled start this week on July 4th against the first-place Tampa Bay Rays. He faces a difficult matchup against Drew Rasmussen, who enters with a 2.45 ERA and an elite 0.86 WHIP. Despite the tough opponent, Brown’s high-strikeout upside and his status as the leader of the Houston staff make him a mandatory option for fantasy managers as they look toward the holiday weekend. Start.
Updated 23 hrs ago
