Aug 26, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez (28) hands the ball to manager Terry Francona (77, left) during the sixth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images / Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

It's been an express route for the Reds going from the cusp of a playoff spot to danger of falling out of contention. A 6-3 loss to the Dodgers on Tuesday was Cincinnati's fifth in its last six games

The current LAFC and former Tottenham Hotspurs star delivered a perfect strike before the Dodgers and Reds game on Wednesday, August 27th.

On Sunday, he had two more hits, including a Little League home run that tied the game in the sixth inning. However, he's doing the little things that seem to be impressing Reds manager Terry Francona, who recently moved him up to second in the order. "Marte had a big hit and better base running," Francona said.

Cincinnati Reds prospect Zach 'Big Sugar' Maxwell has pitched well in the second half this season for Triple-A Louisville.

Ashcraft (3.72 ERA in 53 appearances) said he began feeling soreness in the distal area of the forearm, near the wrist, the day after pitching a 1-2-3 inning (with a strikeout) in Phoenix Aug. 24.

Major League Baseball's hitters are starting to win a few more battles against their hard-throwing pitcher counterparts

This story was excerpted from Mark Sheldon's Reds Beat newsletter. To read the full newsletter, click here. And subscribe to get it regularly in your inbox.