Baltimore Orioles: Will Asher stick around in Birdland?

Alec Asher, RHP for the Baltimore Orioles, got his first start of the season Saturday afternoon in Toronto.

Earlier this afternoon, theBaltimore Oriolescalled upon 25-year-old right-handerAlec Asherto make his first start of the season. Asher joins the Orioles after a trade from thePhiladelphia Philliesat the end of the spring.

As mentioned inyesterday’s blog, Asher had pitched 4.1 scoreless innings last Monday, and with his career 3.36 ERA in the minors, he was able to earn the start today.

Asher brings a two-seam cut fastball, a change-up, slider, and curveball to compliment his on-average 91-mph four-seam fastball. Asher did a good job of mixing those pitches in today’s outing against theToronto Blue Jays.

Against the Jays, Asher pitched into the sixth, recording one out and allowing one earned run on three hits. He threw 93 pitches, 59 strikes.Donnie Hartreplaced him in the sixth after he hitJose Bautistaand allowed a one-out single toTroy Tulowitzki.

A string of quality starts by Baltimore Orioles starting pitchers.

Asher’s start today was the third consecutive quality start by an Orioles starter. A quality start,as defined here by MLB.com, is when a starter goes at least six innings and allows three earned runs or less.

For the Orioles starters coming into today’s game, they’ve registered a 4.41 ERA in 49 innings through nine games. Asher’s performance today has dropped that to 4.08.

Kevin Gausmangot the streak going on Thursday night against the Jays. Gausman pitched six innings, allowed one earned run and five hits. He fanned three and walked two over 97 pitches-63 strikes.

Must Read: A look at Chris Davis' red-hot start to 2017

Wade Mileycontinued the streak last night. Miley also went six innings, while allowing three earned runs. He gave up five hits and struck out eight Blue Jays batters. The more interesting number from Miley’s start is that he did not walk anybody, after walking seven in his previous start against theNew York Yankees.

Are the Baltimore Orioles going to keep Asher in the rotation?

One outing is not enough to assume how a season will turn out, but it inevitably raises expectations slightly. With today’s outing in Toronto, Asher has earned another go-round in the starting rotation.

As reportedhere by Roster Resource, Asher is listed as the probable starting pitcher Friday night in Baltimore against theBoston Red Sox. Left-hander,Drew Pomeranzwill oppose him.

Remember,Chris Tillmanis still on the disabled list and as reported by MASN reporter Steve Melewski on Twitter, could return as earlier as May 2.

When Tillman returns, someone will be removed from the starting rotation. If Asher finds himself replicating today’s performance, there’s no doubt in my mind he’ll stick around.

Next: Orioles' bullpen to feature Norfolk shuttle once again?

Much to the satisfaction of Birdland,Ubaldo Jiménezcould find himself moved to the bullpen for the second straight season.

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