Milwaukee Brewers southpaw Aaron Ashby is looking to make a comeback to the major leagues. After extensive rehab and conservative treatments on his shoulder he eventually underwent a surgical debridement procedure. He did return to pitching in live games in 2023, but between decreased velocity and not seeing good results he did not make it back to the big leagues.
Is Aaron Ashby healthy for spring training 2024?
At this time Ashby is going through a normal throwing progression. So far he has thrown bullpen sessions and in the future will throw a simulated game and then appear in a Cactus League game. He indicates that he is healthy and pleased with where he currently is at.
“All my pitches are moving how they used to move, which has been really nice. Executing things well. Everything feels really good. I guess the ultimate test is when you get in a game in the season and judge your stuff and your game off how it’s performing in real life.”
What is his velocity at?
Per Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Aaron Ashby’s velocity is all the way back. Rosiak pointed out that he averaged 95.7 MPH on his sinker in 2022. However the lefty does have the ability to touch 98 MPH as well.
Per Ashby and Brewers pitching coach Chris Hook they both indicated that the velocity is trending in the right direction and that endurance still needs some work. Reading between the lines it’s fair to assume that Ashby can throw as hard as he did prior to surgery, but the last step is being able to hit that velocity consistently and as his pitch count increases.
“It feels close; it’s just a matter of repetition and getting the shoulder endurance, the arm endurance and all that stuff to come back.”
What role will Aaron Ashby have with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2024?
The back end of Milwaukee’s starting rotation is up for grabs and Ashby’s plan is to compete for one of those spots. He could also work as a reliever out of the bullpen, but during spring training he will be preparing to handle a starters work load.
“That’s my goal, is to be in this (starting) rotation. It’s going to be really fun. And nothing’s just given. You’ve got to earn your spot here. That’s what spring training’s all about.”
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