Asher joining Orioles in Toronto

Right-hander Alec Asher is on his way to Toronto to join the Orioles, making him the choice for fifth starter on Saturday.

Sources confirmed that Asher left Triple-A Norfolk, which is playing an early game today against Gwinnett at Harbor Park.

Major League Baseball rules allow Asher to sit in the visiting dugout Friday at Rogers Centre. The Orioles begin a four-game series tonight.

The Orioles didn't need a fifth starter until Saturday due to multiple off-days in the first week of the season. They left camp with the field narrowed to Asher, Mike Wright, Gabriel Ynoa and left-handers Jayson Aquino and Chris Lee.

Asher and Aquino emerged as the last two standing. Aquino would have been working on an extra day's rest after pitching Sunday. Asher is on regular rest after tossing 4 1/3 scoreless innings on Monday.

The Orioles acquired Asher, 25, from the Phillies on March 28 for a player to be named or cash. He's 2-7 with a 5.88 ERA in 12 career starts in the majors. However, he made five starts last season and went 2-1 with a 2.88 ERA and 0.940 WHIP over 27 2/3 innings.

Tyler Wilson, currently a long reliever, also was given consideration, but Asher is set up to provide more innings.

Asher has never faced the Blue Jays.

Reports on Asher were favorable after his start against Gwinnett, which included no walks and six strikeouts.

The Orioles will need to make a corresponding move on Saturday to fit Asher on the 25-man roster. They're currently operating with an extra reliever in their bullpen.

Lee started today for Norfolk and allowed one run and five hits in five innings, with three walks and five strikeouts. Pedro Álvarez has an RBI double.

The Virginian-Pilot first reported that Asher was joining the Orioles.