 Ashby joined the Houston Astros for the 1979 season, and in his second game with the team on April 7, he caught his first career no-hitter, as Astros pitcher Ken Forsch held the Atlanta Braves to no hits in a 6-0 Astros victory.In his first season with the team, Ashby appeared in 108 games, hitting .202 with 2 home runs and 35 RBI.In 1980, Ashby saw his offensive numbers improve, as he batted .256 with 3 HR and 48 RBI in 116 games.