Baltimore Orioles acquire starting pitcher Alec Asher in trade with Phillies
Starting pitcher Alec Asher is the newest member of the Baltimore Orioles roster as rotation concerns loom.
The Baltimore Orioles acquired starting pitcher Alec Asher in a trade with the Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday to improve a concerning starting rotation. In exchange, the Phillies receive a player to be named later.
Orioles executive vice president of baseball operation Dan Duquette, who is renowned for his late-offseason acquisitions, acquired Asher less than a week away from Orioles Opening Day as he takes on the endless task of enhancing the team’s starting rotation.
"Asher is a solid ML pitcher who our scouts have liked for a few seasons that we believe will help our club this season. He has good size..
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) March 28, 2017
Three Major League pitches and has shown command of himself and his pitches." -Duquette
— Britt Ghiroli (@Britt_Ghiroli) March 28, 2017
In five starts, Asher tossed 27.2 innings, allowing just one home run with a 2.28 ERA and 13 strikeouts. Asher’s most memorable performance came in his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals where he tossed six shutout innings, allowing just two hits and one walk.
The trade comes in the midst of Orioles manager Buck Showalter decision to place O’s starting pitcher Wade Miley. The southpaw, who has battled the flu throughout Orioles spring training, tossed four innings, allowing an earned run in 64 pitches with four strikeouts Tuesday afternoon against the Atlanta Braves. Miley told
Miley told Baltimore Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Sun Eduardo A. Encina this following Tuesday’s performance:
Miley: "I felt good. I felt like I didn’t get super tired at all. Got the pitch count back to where I wanted to be at. Everything went well"
— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) March 28, 2017
With Miley’s status uncertain, along with Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher Chris Tillman sidelines with a shoulder injury, Asher could make an immediate impact on the O’s rotation. Following Orioles Opening Day starter Kevin Gausman, as well as Dylan Bundy pitching game two, the Orioles have lingering questions. With no clear fourth and fifth day starters, Asher may be in the O’s rotation sooner than we expect.
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The Orioles open the 2017 regular season schedule against American League East rival Toronto Blue Jays at 3:05 p.m. ET on April 3. Make sure to grab your tickets on the Baltimore Orioles official website as all fans receive a 2017 Schedule Magnet.