Orioles send Alec Asher to the mound today

Alec Asher makes his Orioles debut this afternoon, with a corresponding roster move pending. They finally need a fifth starter.

The Blue Jays lineup is loaded with right-handed bats, one of the reasons why the Orioles chose him over left-hander Jayson Aquino. He could be one and done or receive another start. The Orioles are flexible.

They've also been busy, making their third trade last night in less than 24 hours. They obtained left-hander Paul Fry from the Mariners for their 2016-17 international signing bonus slot No. 105. Parker Bridwell was designated for assignment to create a spot on the 40-man roster.

Fry, who was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk, owns a career 2.89 ERA in 151 minor league games. He went 3-1 with a 2.78 ERA over 48 appearances (one start) with Triple-A Tacoma last season and averages 11 strikeouts per nine innings, leaving us to wonder why the Mariners were so casual in letting him go.

"Paul Fry has compiled an excellent record in a short time with a deceptive delivery and a good slider," executive vice president Dan Duquette wrote in a text message. "Our staff likes the way he keeps the ball down in the zone and in the park. We look forward to his contributions to the Orioles."

Bridwell's stock dropped in a hurry. Teams have been inquiring about him for years and the Orioles refused to part with him. But he never got on the type of roll in the minors that instilled confidence - he'd follow one outstanding start with one or two duds - and posted a 6.75 ERA in four innings this spring.

He's got the stuff that intrigues teams and the Orioles probably are hoping that they can keep him in the organization without using up a spot on the 40-man roster.

Aquino started last night for Norfolk and held Charlotte to an unearned run over six innings, with no walks and eight strikeouts. Meanwhile, Asher prepped for today's start against the Blue Jays, a team he's never faced. He also hasn't seen any of their current batters.

The Orioles have seen Blue Jays starter Marco Estrada, most recently on opening day, when he allowed two runs in six innings. He's given up seven runs and 12 hits in 11 innings so far this season.

Estrada is 4-1 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.101 WHIP in 11 career games (nine starts) versus the Orioles over 56 1/3 innings.

The current group of Orioles are batting .197 against Estrada. Catcher Welington Castillo is 8-for-26 (.308) with a double and four home runs, which could explain why he wasn't in last night's lineup.

Caleb Joseph caught left-hander Wade Miley, who allowed three runs in six innings in a 6-4 win that assured the Orioles of nothing worse than a split of the four-game series. Miley didn't walk a batter after issuing seven free passes over five innings on Sunday.

Manny Machado is 2-for-20 with a home run. Chris Davis is 3-for-19 with two home runs, Adam Jones is 2-for-17 with two doubles, Jonathan Schoop is 4-for-19 with two home runs, J.J. Hardy is 3-for-17 with a home run and Ryan Flaherty is 3-for-9 with two home runs.

Shameless plug alert: I'm appearing on "Wall to Wall Baseball" from 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on MASN.