Brewers LHP Aaron Ashby Suffers Oblique Strain, MRI to Determine Timeline

Milwaukee Brewers left-handed pitcher Aaron Ashby was pulled in the second inning of Monday’s spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds, leaving the mound with the training staff.

Manager Pat Murphy said Ashby suffered an oblique strain, per the Milwaukee Journal Sentinal’s Todd Rosiak. He is set to undergo imaging Tuesday, but Murphy’s initial impression that the injury won’t result in a months-long absence.

Ashby hit the first batter he faced Monday with a pitch, then issued two walks. He didn’t allow any hits or runs in his 1.0-plus innings of action, though.

Ashby went 1-2 with a 2.86 ERA, 1.059 WHIP, 10.5 strikeouts per nine inning and a 0.2 WAR in 2024, starting twice in 14 appearances.

The southpaw was coming off a lost 2023 season, which he missed while recovering from shoulder surgery. Between 2021 and 2022, Ashby went 5-12 with a 4.47 ERA, 1.367 WHIP, 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings and a -0.8 WAR.

Ashby, who turns 27 in May, entered camp competing for a spot in Milwaukee’s starting rotation. The club then signed veteran lefty Jose Quintana on Monday, likely pushing Ashby to the bullpen regardless of his injury status.

The Brewers do not have a Cactus League game Tuesday. They will return to action Wednesday for two split-squad games against the Chicago White Sox.

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