CHICAGO - Alec Asher is 24 years old, owns a career 9.31 ERA in the majors, and is serving an 80-game drug suspension. But the Phillies' interest in the righthander has not waned, and it is quite probable that Asher starts games for the team in September.
That is because of two factors. One, the Phillies need arms to survive the remainder of the season. And, two, Asher impressed team officials before the suspension with his increased use of a sinker.
"I'd like to see him," Phillies manager Pete Mackanin said.
Asher pitched an inning Tuesday for the Gulf Coast League Phillies, which marked the start of his permitted minor-league rehab stint.