Skip to content
Phillies
Link copied to clipboard

Alec Asher to make Phillies debut on Sunday

Alec Asher, one of the five prospects the Phillies acquired from the Texas Rangers in the Cole Hamels trade, will make his major-league debut Sunday against the San Diego Padres at Citizens Bank Park.

The Phillies will insert the fourth rookie into their starting rotation on Sunday when Alec Asher makes his major-league debut. All four rookies - Aaron Nola, Adam Morgan, Jerad Eickhoff, and Asher - have reached the majors since July 21.

Asher, 23, was scratched from his start on Friday with triple-A Lehigh Valley. He had a 2.08 ERA in four starts since being acquired from Texas in July as part of the Cole Hamels trade.

Asher is taking the rotation spot of Jerome Williams, who is being moved to the bullpen.

The righthander throws a two-seam fastball, curveball, slider, and change-up. The slider is his top breaking pitch. His fastball can reach 95 m.p.h. as he generates power by using his strong legs.

"Most of your power pitching comes from your legs," Asher said. "It's your foundation. That's where you generate most of your power from. You have to have a big butt and thighs to get the ball going."

IronPigs manager Dave Brundage said Asher's legs can carry him in the majors. He said the pitcher's body is "prototypical."

"You want those big, strong legs that can drive you late in the season," Brundage said. "His makeup is good. His work ethic is good. Him and Eickhoff both come from the same mold. Philadelphia has done their homework to get two quality, good young men."

Phillies director of player development Joe Jordan said Asher pitches with confidence. "Asher attacks the strike zone aggressively," Jordan said. He has thrown 66 percent of his pitches for strikes since being promoted to triple A in May.

"He presents himself very well," Jordan said. "I think he'll come up here and be himself. He should be fine if he does that."

Williams concussion

Phillies prospect Nick Williams was placed on the disabled list on Friday with a concussion that he suffered on Wednesday night following a collision at first base. The outfielder was acquired last month from Texas as part of the Cole Hamels trade. Williams, 21, was batting .326 in his first 21 games with double-A Reading.

"We don't see it to linger at all," said Jordan. "We don't expect it to interfere with participating in the playoffs or anything like that. It's more precautionary than anything."

Extra bases

Elvis Araujo was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a left groin strain. He was replaced by righthander Nefi Ogando. . . . The Phillies will open the 2016 season on April 4 at Cincinnati, according to a source. The team will then travel to the New York Mets before hosting San Diego on April 11 in the home opener.

- Matt Breen