Graham Ashcraft Injury: Activity picking up

Ashcraft (groin) threw a bullpen session Friday and is scheduled for another one Sunday, MLB.com reports.

If all goes well this weekend, Ashcraft will throw a simulated game Wednesday in Boston. The right-hander transitioned this season from starter to reliever, a role for which the organization feels he's suited, with mixed results. The Reds believe Ashcraft has the right makeup to close games, and there was some chatter back in spring training about him getting ninth-inning chances, but Emilio Pagan is currently thriving in that role for Cincinnati.