Orioles trade Gunkel to Dodgers

Three days after the Orioles designated pitcher Joe Gunkel for assignment, they found a trade partner in the National League West.

The Orioles have dealt Gunkel to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later or cash. Gunkel came off the 40-man roster on Friday to make room for pitcher Miguel Castro, acquired from the Rockies for a PTBNL or cash.

It's become the most popular return in any deal.

Gunkel, 28, was placed on the 40-man roster to protect him in the Rule 5 draft, but he was an early cut in spring training and didn't have a spot in Triple-A Norfolk's rotation. The Tides are going with Mike Wright, Gabriel Ynoa, Jayson Aquino, Chris Lee and Alec Asher, the latter acquired from the Phillies shortly before the Orioles broke camp.

Gunkel owns a career 3.66 ERA in four minor league seasons. The Orioles acquired him from the Red Sox on June 3, 2015 for outfielder Alejandro De Aza and cash.

Gunkel was a combined 3-2 with a 2.90 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 40 1/3 innings between Single-A Salem and Double-A Portland at the time of the trade. The Red Sox selected him in the 18th round of the 2013 draft out of West Chester (Pa.) University.

In 17 starts with Double-A Bowie in 2015, Gunkel posted an 8-4 record, 2.59 ERA and 0.958 WHIP in 104 1/3 innings. He was a combined 8-14 with a 4.02 ERA and 1.261 WHIP last season in 28 starts at Norfolk (24) and Double-A Bowie. He averages 1.6 walks per nine innings in his professional career.

The Orioles used Gunkel in relief twice in spring training and he allowed three runs and seven hits in three innings. It became apparent that he wasn't in their plans.

Asher started tonight for Norfolk and tossed 4 1/3 scoreless innings with no walks and six strikeouts against Gwinnett. He would be working on normal rest if the Orioles choose him as their fifth starter Saturday in Toronto.