Bundy gets another start against the Jays

The Orioles made it through an entire day without trading for anyone. The only roster move involved optioning reliever Stefan Crichton in order to create a spot for Alec Asher, who had an outstanding debut yesterday. They didn't surrender an international signing bonus slot or receive a player to be named later or cash considerations.

It was business as unusual.

Asher was charged with one run in 6 1/3 innings, the team's shutout bid ending after left-hander Donnie Hart let an inherited runner score in the seventh. Asher's next turn wouldn't come before Friday, and he may be optioned if the Orioles decide to bring up a fresh bullpen arm.

In that event, Asher couldn't return for 10 days unless he's replacing an injured player, so the Orioles must consider whether it's worth messing with the rotation.

Dylan Bundy has two quality starts in two outings, with four runs allowed and 11 strikeouts in 13 1/3 innings. He held the Blue Jays to one run in seven innings on April 5, with no walks and eight strikeouts.

Bundy has five appearances against the Jays on his resume, the first four in relief, and has surrendered one run over 11 2/3 innings.

The current Jays are 4-for-34 against Bundy. Josh Donaldson, Kevin Pillar and Devon Travis are each 1-for-4.

Left-hander J.A. Happ is on the mound for the Jays today, which likely returns Hyun Soo Kim to the bench. Craig Gentry figures to start in left field, with manager Buck Showalter deciding between Trey Mancini and Mark Trumbo for right.

Fans are asking why Kim's starts have been sporadic. The Orioles have faced a lot of lefties. Also, Showalter didn't want Kim in the lineup against Red Sox knuckleballer Steven Wright. It's just circumstances.

Gentry is off to a slow start at the plate, going hitless in 12 at-bats, but he demonstrated his value yesterday by stealing second base in the ninth inning after pinch-running for Welington Castillo, taking third base on a fly ball and scoring on Jonathan Schoop's sacrifice fly. His speed is a much-needed element on this team, especially with Joey Rickard on the disabled list.

Schoop went 1-for-3 yesterday and is 7-for-14 with three doubles, two home runs and five RBIs in the last four games. His average has climbed to .273.

Manny Machado is batting .171, but he had a hit and walked twice yesterday. He had some quality at-bats, which you look for when a player is scuffling.

Machado laid off a close pitch from Marco Estrada to draw his first walk. It's tough for a slumping hitter to remain patient.

Machado is 7-for-24 lifetime against Happ, with a double, triple and two home runs. J.J. Hardy, who rested yesterday, is 4-for-26 with three doubles.

Happ faced the Orioles on April 5 and allowed three runs and five hits in seven innings, with no walks and nine strikeouts. Adam Jones and Chris Davis homered off him.

Happ is 4-4 with a 3.58 ERA in 13 career games (12 starts) against the Orioles. They're batting .210 (35-for-167) against him.

Down on the farm, Double-A Bowie center fielder Cedric Mullins went 2-for-5 with a double and his third stolen base yesterday and is batting .455. He has at least one hit in all 10 games.

Tanner Scott, moved into the rotation, didn't allow a hit in three scoreless innings. He walked two batters and struck out four.

Scott's allowed one run and two hits in two starts covering six innings. He's walked five batters and struck out seven.