Brewers News: Crew Takes Another Big Injury Hit, Aaron Ashby Will Miss Most of 2023

Six games into the 2023 season and the vibes have been largely good around a Milwaukee Brewers team that is 5-1 and fresh off a series sweep of the New York Mets. Unfortunately, injuries always seem to have a way of creeping their way in even when things are looking up.

The first big blow happened last weekend when starting third baseman Luis Urias exited the Crew's Opening Day matchup against the Cubs with a hamstring injury. It would later be announced that he will miss upwards of two months with that ailment.

Then today, an injury update was given about a Brewers pitcher who has been on the shelf all year, left-hander Aaron Ashby. By the sounds of it, there's a possibility fans may not see him again until next season.

Brewers pitcher Aaron Ashby will end up missing the majority of the 2023 season.

The unfortunate reason behind Ashby's now extended absence into the 2023 season is arthroscopic surgery that the pitcher will be having on his shoulder this week. The news was reported by Todd Rosiak of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.

Drafted in the 4th round back in 2018 out of Crowder College, Ashby worked his way up the team's organization to eventually become Milwaukee's top-rated pitching prospect in many rankings. That would lead to his debut in June of 2021.

Since then, Ashby has made 40 appearances (23 starts) over two seasons and compiled a 5-12 record with a 4.47 ERA and 1.367 WHIP. His strikeout totals have been impressive early as he has put up 10.7 strikeouts per nine innings for his career.

Even with a bit higher of an ERA for his career, the Brewers could see something special brewing and decided to lock in their young lefty early. Last July, the team signed Ashby to a contract extension that will keep the pitcher with the Crew through at least the 2027 season.

With Ashby ready to make a run at the starting rotation in 2023, it was originally announced in this piece by Adam McCalvy for MLB.com that the southpaw would be behind to start spring camp with a shoulder injury. The original prognosis was a hopeful May return. That is now out the window.

There is still hope that if all goes well, Ashby can return to the Brewers for a late season playoff push. Let's hope Milwaukee keeps playing like they currently are so they can give their young pitcher that chance.