If you are looking at Aaron Ashby’s stats that scroll along the bottom ticker you won’t know how good he has been. The young lefty starter has been fantastic for the Brewers. However, he hasn’t collected a win and on May 8 his ERA was sitting at 4.24.
Look beyond the numbers and you’ll realize how good he has been. Ashby has given up 11 earned runs this season, but nine of those came in two appearances. On April 22, he surrendered three runs in 2.1 innings against Philadelphia and on May 8, he allowed six runs in just four innings against Atlanta.
So Aaron Ashby has pitched in the rotation, in relief and now as a closer. Talk about versatile. ⚾️ @brewers #ThisIsMyCrew
— JoshHadersHair (@HadersHair) May 21, 2022
Ashby is performing well no matter what role he is in.
Ashby’s flexibility to start games or come in out of the bullpen has created flexibility for manager Craig Counsell. Now, with Freddy Peralta injured and out for at least two months and Brandon Woodruff going on the 15-day injured list, Ashby is moving from the swingman role and into the starting rotation.
“Freddy has set a very high bar with his performance here and since he’s been a Brewer. So that's not replaceable. But other guys will get opportunities now. And that's how we'll have to cover,” Counsell said. Aaron Ashby is next man up.
— Sophia Minnaert (@SophiaMinnaert) May 23, 2022
Ashby has 10 appearances and four starts this year entering his start Monday against the Cubs.
Ashby has thrown 34 innings overall this year. If you take out his two rough outings, he has allowed just two runs over 27.2 innings. Following his rough start vs. Atlanta, Ashby has made three appearances spanning 10.1 innings and allowed just one run (unearned).
Against Miami, Ashby dominated the Marlins over four innings out of the bullpen and earned the save. He did not allow a baserunner and struck out eight while earning the save. His next outing consisted of a seven-pitch 1-2-3 inning of relief to finish off a win. On Wednesday against the Padres, Ashby tossed 5.2 innings, allowed just four hits, and gave up one run (unearned) in a no-decision. The Brewers would earn a 2-1 victory.
Aaron Ashby delivered 5 2/3 innings with no earned runs in his first start since essentially assuming Freddy Peralta's spot in the Brewers rotation. Three walks, four hits, five strikeouts.
— Adam McCalvy (@AdamMcCalvy) May 25, 2022
Wins will come for Ashby
Ashby remains winless, however, that is misleading. He is 0-3, but his ERA sits at 2.91 entering his start against Chicago. The 24-year-old southpaw still walks too many batters (5.3 per 9 innings), but he has struck out 39 in 34 innings pitched.
I expect Ashby to earn his first win of the season soon. He has been too good not to expect results.
For More Great Wisconsin Sports Content
Follow me on Twitter at @MSkurzewski and follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here! Also, check out our merch store for some amazing WSH merchandise!
