The Milwaukee Brewers selected Ashby in the fourth round, with the 125th overall selection, of the 2018 Major League Baseball draft.[3] He made his professional debut with the Rookie-level Helena Brewers, and also played for the Single-A Wisconsin Timber Rattlers, posting a cumulative 2–3 record and 3.59 ERA in 13 games. In 2019, Ashby split the season between Wisconsin and the High-A Carolina Mudcats, logging a 5–10 record and 3.50 ERA in 24 appearances between the two teams.[4]
Ashby did not play in a game in 2020 due to the cancellation of the minor league season because of the COVID-19 pandemic.[5] He was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to begin the 2021 season. Ashby was shifted to the bullpen in June, and recorded a 4–1 record and 4.50 ERA in 12 games for the team.[6]
On June 29, 2021, the Brewers announced that they would promote Ashby to the major leagues for the first time.[7] He was formally selected to the 40-man and active rosters the on June 30.[8] He made his MLB debut that day as the starting pitcher against the Chicago Cubs. In his debut, he went 2⁄3 of an inning and allowed 7 runs, 4 earned. At the end of his 1st season, he played in 13 games, 4 in which he started, and he put up a record of 3–2, with an ERA of 4.55 and 39 strikeouts in 31.2 innings.[9]
On July 23, 2022, the Brewers and Ashby agreed on a five-year contract extension that will keep him under contract through the 2027 season, with club options for 2028 and 2029.[10] He made 27 appearances (19 starts) for Milwaukee in 2022, registering a 2–10 record and 4.44 ERA with 126 strikeouts in 107.1 innings pitched.
On February 16, 2023, it was announced that Ashby would miss "a couple of months" with left shoulder inflammation.[11] On April 5, manager Craig Counsell announced that Ashby would require arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder, and would likely miss the entire 2023 season.[12]
The Brewers optioned Ashby to Triple–A Nashville to begin the 2024 season.[13]
Personal life
Aaron is the nephew of former MLB pitcher Andy Ashby.[14] Married Avery Ashby in 2023.
^Wussow, Dan (August 3, 2018). "Ashby makes strong first impression with Rattlers". The Post-Crescent. To assist him with the process of adjusting to life as a professional baseball player, Aaron says he has leaned on his uncle, Andy Ashby, a former MLB pitcher of 14 years.
