Brewers Weigh Aaron Ashby's Pitching Role for 2026 Season

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The Milwaukee Brewers are evaluating left-handed pitcher Aaron Ashby's role for the 2026 season, with the team weighing whether to assign him a spot in the starting rotation or place him in the bullpen. Ashby, entering his fifth year with the club, has a career ERA+ of 114 and FIP of 3.46, making him a key part of the Brewers' pitching plans as they look to strengthen their left-handed options.

Why it matters

The Brewers have a competitive group of left-handed pitchers vying for roles, including Brandon Woodruff and Quinn Priester, so the team must carefully weigh Ashby's strengths against the needs of the rotation and bullpen. Ashby's performance and development will be pivotal in determining the Brewers' pitching staff and their competitiveness in 2026.

The details

Ashby's pitching strategy, featuring an effective sinker and curveball, boosts his value to the Brewers. However, an oblique injury last spring training may influence his preparation and readiness this year. The Brewers' final decision on Ashby's placement will depend heavily on his performance throughout the upcoming season. If he continues to improve his control and maintain his strikeout rate, he is likely to earn a permanent spot in the rotation. But if he faces challenges, the team may assign him to bullpen duties, where his skill set can still contribute significantly.

• Ashby is entering his fifth year with the Milwaukee Brewers in 2026.