Asher Wojciechowski

Asher Wojciechowski
Wojciechowski with the Orioles in 2020
Pitcher
Born: (1988-12-21) December 21, 1988 (age 36)
Hardeeville, South Carolina, U.S.
Batted: Right
Threw: Right
MLB debut
April 9, 2015, for the Houston Astros
Last MLB appearance
July 21, 2021, for the New York Yankees
MLB statistics
Win–loss record9–15
Earned run average5.93
Strikeouts195
Stats at Baseball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Teams

Randall Asher Wojciechowski (/vɔɪtʃɛˈhɔːvski/ voy-cheh-HAWV-skee; born December 21, 1988) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Houston Astros, Cincinnati Reds, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Yankees.

Early life

Wojciechowski was born in Hardeeville, South Carolina.[1][2] In his younger years, he lived in Pensacola, Florida, Sturgis, Michigan, and the Dominican Republic.[3][4] The Wojciechowskis moved to Romania when Asher was nine. Living abroad, he played soccer, and joined Little League Baseball when it expanded to Bucharest when he was 11. The team played in a tournament similar to the Little League World Series in Poland.[3]

After living in Romania for three years, the family moved to Sturgis, Michigan. Wojciechowski attended Sturgis High School, where he played for the school's baseball team.[5] He also played high school football for one season. The family moved to South Carolina for Asher's senior year of high school, so that he could attract more attention from scouts.[3] Wojciechowski attended Beaufort High School in Beaufort, South Carolina, for his senior year of high school.[6]

After graduating from high school, Wojciechowski then enrolled at The Citadel, choosing it over Winthrop University.[4] He competed for the United States national baseball team in the summer of 2009.[7] In 2010, he was named the Southern Conference's pitcher of the year.[8]

Professional career

Toronto Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays selected Wojciechowski in the first round, with the 41st overall selection, of the 2010 Major League Baseball draft.[9] He received an $815,000 signing bonus, and made his professional debut with the Auburn Doubledays of the Class A-Short Season New York–Penn League. In 2011, Wojciechowski played for the Dunedin Blue Jays of the Class A-Advanced Florida State League.[10] The Blue Jays assigned Wojciechowski to Dunedin in 2012.

Houston Astros

Wojciechowski pitching for Astros in 2015 spring training

The Blue Jays later traded Wojciechowski, along with Ben Francisco, Francisco Cordero, David Rollins, Joe Musgrove, Carlos Pérez, and a player to be named later (Kevin Comer) to the Houston Astros on July 20, 2012, in exchange for J. A. Happ, Brandon Lyon, and David Carpenter.[11][12] Houston assigned Wojciechowski to the Corpus Christi Hooks of the Double–A Texas League. He started the 2013 season in Corpus Christi, but received a midseason promotion to the Oklahoma City RedHawks of the Triple–A Pacific Coast League.[13] On November 20, 2013, the Astros added Wojciechowski to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.[14] Before spring training began in 2014, Wojciechowski strained a lateral muscle. While recuperating in May, his return was delayed when he strained his forearm. He returned to Oklahoma City in June.[15]

Wojciechowski began the 2015 season in the Astros' starting rotation.[16] He made 5 appearances for the Astros in the 2015 season, 3 of which were starts, and pitched to a 0–1 record, 7.16 ERA, and 16 strikeouts in 161⁄3 innings.[17] He was designated for assignment on May 17, 2016.[18]

Miami Marlins

On May 24, 2016, Wojciechowski was claimed off waivers by the Miami Marlins.[19] He was designated for assignment on July 16. Wojciechowski spent the remainder of the year with the Triple–A New Orleans Zephyrs, also making two starts for the Double–A Jacksonville Suns, and recorded a 5.26 ERA with 32 strikeouts across 13 games (10 starts). He elected free agency following the season on November 7.[20]

Arizona Diamondbacks

On December 12, 2016, Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the Arizona Diamondbacks.[21] The Diamondbacks released him towards the end of spring training in 2017.[22]

Cincinnati Reds

On April 20, 2017, Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the Cincinnati Reds.[23] He began the season with the Louisville Bats of the Triple–A International League. On May 20, 2017, the Reds selected Wojciechowski's contract.[24] Wojciechowski earned his first MLB win that day over the Colorado Rockies. Wojciechowski pitched 3+2⁄3 innings while allowing one hit and striking out three.[25] He elected free agency on October 6, 2017. He would appear in 25 games for the Reds that season, collecting 6 wins against 4 losses. His E.R.A was 6.50, while appearing as both a starting pitcher and relief pitcher.[26]

Baltimore Orioles

On December 1, 2017, Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles.[27] He was assigned to the Norfolk Tides of the International League for the 2018 season.[28] On July 18, Wojciechowski opted-out of his contract and became a free agent.[29]

Chicago White Sox

On July 25, 2018, Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the Chicago White Sox.[30] In 6 starts for the Triple–A Charlotte Knights, he struggled to an 0–5 record and 7.01 ERA with 37 strikeouts across 34+2⁄3 innings. Wojciechowski elected free agency following the season on November 2.[31]

Cleveland Indians

Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the Cleveland Indians on February 14, 2019.[32] The deal included an invitation to the Indians' major league spring training camp. Wojciechowski spent the first half of the 2019 season with the Columbus Clippers, going 8–2 with a 3.61 ERA in 15 starts.[33]

Baltimore Orioles (second stint)

Wojciechowski returned to the Orioles in a cash transaction with the Indians on July 1, 2019, and was assigned back to the Tides.[33] On July 2, the Orioles selected his contract and promoted him to the major league roster.[34] Starting 16 of 17 pitching appearances, he had a 4–8 record with a 4.92 ERA and 1.312 WHIP.[35] On September 17, 2020, the Orioles designated Wojciechowski for assignment.[36] On October 14, 2020, Wojciechowski elected free agency.[37]

New York Yankees

On January 21, 2021, Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees organization and was invited to spring training.[38] Wojciechowski left a spring training outing with lat discomfort, and missed the first month of the minor league season before making his season debut with the Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in June. On July 21, the Yankees selected Wojciechowski to the majors to start against the Philadelphia Phillies.[39] In his only start for the Yankees, Wojciechowski pitched 4 innings, gave up 2 runs, and struck out 4 batters. He was designated for assignment the following day.[40] On July 24, Wojciechowski was outrighted to Triple-A Scranton, but rejected the assignment and elected free agency.[41]

Seattle Mariners

On July 29, 2021, Wojciechowski signed a minor league contract with the Seattle Mariners.[42] Wojciechowski made 5 starts in 2021 for the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers, going 0–1 with a 5.82 ERA and 27 strikeouts. He returned to Triple-A Tacoma for 2022. He made 9 appearances, going 0–4 with an 8.77 ERA and 23 strikeouts. On June 5, 2022, Wojciechowski was released by the Mariners.[43]

Pitching style

His repertoire includes a fastball around 94 miles per hour (151 km/h), a slider in the low to mid 80s, and an occasional changeup and curveball.[44][45]

Personal life

Wojciechowski is married to his wife, Alanna.[46] His father-in-law is American football coach Paul Hamilton.[47]

References

  1. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski Stats, Highlights, Bio". milb.com. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  2. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski Minor League Statistics & History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved March 2, 2015.
  3. ^ a b c "Citadel freshman pitcher pursued baseball around the globe – The Post and Courier". Postandcourier.com. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  4. ^ a b nurun.com (April 23, 2011). "Jays yelling about Asher Wojciechowski". The London Free Press. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  5. ^ "Wojciechowski goes No. 41 to Toronto". Sturgis Journal. Sturgis, Michigan. June 9, 2010. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  6. ^ "Beaufort High pitcher Wojciechowski gets chance next season at The Citadel | Story Archive | islandpacket.com | beaufortgazette.com". Lowcountrynewspapers.net. December 8, 2006. Archived from the original on April 24, 2014. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  7. ^ "Wojciechowski shines in U.S. baseball win – The Post and Courier". Postandcourier.com. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  8. ^ "Wojciechowski rounds out Day 1 picks | bluejays.com: News". Mlb.mlb.com. May 24, 2013. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  9. ^ "RHP Wojciechowski latest pick to sign with Blue Jays". Tsn.ca. June 16, 2010. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  10. ^ Jackson, Josh. "Wojciechowski takes game to new level | MiLB.com News | The Official Site of Minor League Baseball". Milb.com. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  11. ^ "Astros make 10 player trade with Toronto". July 20, 2012. Archived from the original on December 13, 2019. Retrieved July 20, 2012.
  12. ^ Dave Zangaro Staff Writer. "Blue Jays trade Comer to Astros - News - Burlington County Times - Willingboro, NJ". Burlington County Times. Retrieved November 28, 2017.
  13. ^ Baldwin, Michael (August 1, 2013). "OKC RedHawks: Asher Wojciechowski has prospered in Astros organization". News OK. Retrieved September 10, 2013.
  14. ^ "Astros add Cruz, Santana, Wojciechowski to 40-man". Houston.astros.mlb.com. November 21, 2013. Archived from the original on December 14, 2013. Retrieved April 16, 2014.
  15. ^ Baldwin, Michael (August 7, 2014). "Oklahoma City RedHawks: Asher Wojciechowski still getting back in the groove". The Oklahoman. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  16. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski gets spot on team, rotation; Jon Singleton to minors". Ultimate Astros. April 2015. Retrieved April 1, 2015.
  17. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  18. ^ Todd, Jeff (May 17, 2016). "Astros Designate Asher Wojciechowski, Place Carlos Gomez On DL". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 17, 2016.
  19. ^ Adams, Steve (May 24, 2016). "Marlins Claim Asher Wojciechowski, Designate Tim Berry". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved May 24, 2016.
  20. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2016". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved July 25, 2024.
  21. ^ "Aces Communications on Twitter: "Earlier today, the @Dbacks signed OFs Reymond Fuentes & Jason Pridie and RHPs Asher Wojciechowski & Brooks Hall to @MiLB contracts."". Twitter.com. December 9, 2016. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  22. ^ "Reds Notes: Out of baseball in April, Asher Wojciechowski back in bigs". Cincinnati.com. May 20, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  23. ^ "International League Transactions in April 2017". MiLB.com. Retrieved April 21, 2017.
  24. ^ Sheldon, Mark (May 20, 2017). "Reds call up Wojciechowski for bullpen help". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved May 20, 2017.[dead link‍]
  25. ^ "Ex-Citadel star Asher Wojciechowski earns first MLB win | Sports". postandcourier.com. May 21, 2017. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  26. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski Stats | Baseball-Reference.com".
  27. ^ Todd, Jeff (December 1, 2017). "Orioles Sign Asher Wojciechowski, Four Others To Minors Deals". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved December 1, 2017.
  28. ^ "Wojciechowski mows 'em down for Tides". MiLB.com. July 3, 2015. Retrieved July 7, 2018.
  29. ^ Todd, Jeff (July 18, 2018). "Asher Wojciechowski Exercises Opt-Out Clause In Orioles Contract". mlbtraderumors.com. Retrieved July 18, 2018.
  30. ^ Polishuk, Mark (July 25, 2018). "Minor MLB Transactions: 7/25/18". MLBTradeRumors. Retrieved July 26, 2018.
  31. ^ "Minor League Free Agents 2018". baseballamerica.com. Retrieved May 20, 2024.
  32. ^ "Indians invite three (3) to Major League camp". Indians.com. February 14, 2019.
  33. ^ a b ""Indians send RHP Wojciechowski to Orioles for cash," The Associated Press (AP), Monday, July 1, 2019". USA Today. Retrieved October 17, 2019
  34. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski will be the Orioles' 14th starting pitcher in 2019. Here's how the others have fared". The Baltimore Sun. July 2, 2019. Retrieved July 2, 2019.
  35. ^ "Kubatko, Roch. "Is Wojciechowski a lock for 2020 rotation?" Mid-Atlantic Sports Network (MASN), Thursday, October 17, 2019". Retrieved October 17, 2019
  36. ^ "Orioles Designate Asher Wojciechowski For Assignment - MLB Trade Rumors". September 17, 2020.
  37. ^ "Triple-A East Transactions | Triple-A East Stats".
  38. ^ "Yankees Sign Asher Wojciechowski To Minor League Deal - MLB Trade Rumors". January 21, 2021.
  39. ^ "Yankees, Phillies lineups Wednesday: Asher Wojciechowski up from Scranton to start (7/21/21) - nj.com". July 21, 2021.
  40. ^ "Yankees DFA Asher Wojciechowski, Select Sal Romano - MLB Trade Rumors". July 22, 2021.
  41. ^ "Asher Wojciechowski Elects Free Agency - MLB Trade Rumors". July 24, 2021.
  42. ^ "Mariners Sign Asher Wojciechowski - MLB Trade Rumors". July 28, 2021.
  43. ^ Polishuk, Mark (June 4, 2022). "Mariners Released Asher Wojciechowski, Ian McKinney". MLB Trade Rumors. Retrieved June 6, 2022.
  44. ^ "Baseball Video Highlights & Clips – Draft Report: Asher Wojciechowski, College Pitcher – Video". MLB.com. March 4, 2010. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  45. ^ Davis, Charles (July 11, 2012). "Asher Wojciechowski Could Be Movin' On Up For Toronto Blue Jays". RantSports.com. Retrieved August 29, 2012.
  46. ^ Drellich, Evan (February 15, 2014). "Astros' Wojciechowski well-traveled, not short on perspective". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved October 10, 2014.
  47. ^ Hartsell, Jeff (April 2, 2020). "Wojo's Wait: Ex-Citadel star's potential MLB breakthrough on hold due to coronavirus". The Post and Courier. Evening Post Industries. Retrieved November 11, 2022.