As the Pittsburgh Pirates prepare to face off against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday, June 23, 2025, all eyes will be on a compelling rookie pitching duel that promises excitement and high stakes within the National League Central division. Braxton Ashcraft, the Pirates' promising young right-hander, is set to make his first Major League Baseball start, stepping onto the mound at American Family Field against a Brewers lineup that has been firing on all cylinders.
This upcoming game marks a significant milestone for Ashcraft, who has impressed since his MLB call-up on May 26, 2025. Initially utilized out of the bullpen, Ashcraft has demonstrated remarkable poise and effectiveness, compiling a 1.54 ERA over 11.2 innings in seven appearances while allowing only two earned runs and striking out ten batters. His opposing batting average of .209 underscores his ability to keep hitters off balance. The Pirates’ decision to start Ashcraft in place of their usual fourth starter, Andrew Heaney, who will receive extra rest before his scheduled start on June 24, reflects both strategic planning and confidence in Ashcraft’s burgeoning talent.
Braxton Ashcraft’s journey to this pivotal moment is a testament to his dedication and skill. Drafted in 2018 as the 51st overall pick out of Robinson High School in Waco, Texas, Ashcraft bypassed a college commitment to Baylor University by signing a $1.825 million bonus with the Pirates. Since then, he has rapidly ascended the ranks, currently standing as the seventh-ranked prospect in the Pirates organization and the third among right-handed pitchers. His early MLB performances have been notable; he delivered three scoreless innings in his debut against the Arizona Diamondbacks despite a 5-0 team loss and secured his first victory on June 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies by striking out three over two innings. Ashcraft continued to impress with a strong showing against the Chicago Cubs, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable arm.
On the other side of the mound, the Milwaukee Brewers are riding a wave of offensive dominance. The Brewers enter this three-game series against the Pirates with momentum, having won four straight games and scored at least eight runs in each victory. Their recent road trip culminated in a commanding three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins, outscoring them by an overwhelming 35-14 margin. This offensive surge has propelled the Brewers to a season-high seven games above .500, boasting a 17-7 record since late May 2025. Such sustained success has positioned them as one of the most formidable lineups in Major League Baseball this season.
Central to Milwaukee’s offensive renaissance is the resurgence of Christian Yelich, the former National League MVP. After a sluggish start to the season, where he batted just .184 as of May 21, Yelich has turned the tide dramatically. In June alone, he is hitting a scorching .349 with two home runs, five doubles, and 15 RBIs, lifting his overall season average to .259. Yelich’s return to form has energized the Brewers’ lineup, elevating the confidence and performance of his teammates and making Milwaukee’s offense even more dangerous.
Meanwhile, the Pirates have faced their share of challenges on the offensive front. Over the past two weeks, Pittsburgh has struggled, dropping six of their last eight games and scoring a mere 12 runs in those losses. Manager Don Kelly has been candid about the team’s offensive woes, stating after a 3-2 loss on Saturday, “We need to find a way to score some runs. We’ve got to find a way to come through with guys on base.” However, there was a silver lining on Sunday, June 22, when the Pirates erupted for an 8-3 victory over the Texas Rangers. The team racked up 15 hits and went 7-for-14 with runners in scoring position, providing a much-needed offensive boost and a potential turning point in their season.
The pitching matchup on Monday presents a fascinating contrast. Ashcraft, at 25 years old, is stepping into a starting role for the first time in his MLB career, facing the Brewers’ rookie starter Chad Patrick. Patrick’s season has been a rollercoaster; after a solid May, he has struggled in June, losing all three of his starts with a 5.63 ERA. His last outing against the Cubs was particularly rough, and he is eager to rebound. “You got to look at the positives,” Patrick said. “Can’t always be negative on yourself. Just take and learn from what I did today and just be better.” This mindset sets the stage for an intriguing duel between two young pitchers at different points in their development.
Beyond individual performances, the divisional implications of this series add extra intensity. The Brewers aim to maintain their position near the top of the National League Central standings and keep pace with the first-place Chicago Cubs. In contrast, the Pirates are eager to demonstrate that they can compete with their division rivals and build momentum for the remainder of the season.
Manager Don Kelly’s decision to start Ashcraft reflects a broader strategy to balance player rest and development while capitalizing on the young pitcher’s potential. Ashcraft’s proven ability to handle pressure, as evidenced by his bullpen performances, will be put to the test against a potent Brewers lineup. Meanwhile, the Brewers’ confidence is buoyed by their offensive firepower and the resurgence of Yelich, making this a high-stakes encounter for both teams.
As the game approaches, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Ashcraft handles this “trial-by-fire” opportunity. His performance could signal the emergence of a key figure in the Pirates’ pitching staff and influence the team’s trajectory moving forward. Meanwhile, the Brewers will look to continue their offensive dominance and solidify their standing as serious contenders.
This matchup is more than just a game; it’s a clash of rising talents and team ambitions, set against the backdrop of a division that promises fierce competition. Whether Ashcraft can rise to the occasion against one of baseball’s hottest lineups or whether the Brewers will extend their winning streak remains to be seen, but the stage is set for an electrifying contest that baseball fans won’t want to miss.
