Asher made his spring debut Friday against the Yankees, allowing two hits --including a solo homer -- over two innings while striking out two.
Asher found success last season after adding a two-seam fastball and featuring it heavily while going 2-1 with a 2.28 ERA in five starts late in the year with the Phillies. He has added a cutter this spring to complement his two-seamer, according to Todd Zolecki of MLB.com. Unless a starter is injured in camp, Asher is expected to open the year in the rotation at Triple-A Lehigh Valley, though there have been some reports that he could also be a candidate for a relief role.