Ayala arrives at O's complex to take physical

SARASOTA, Fla. -- The Orioles had not officially announced Luis Ayala's signing as of Friday's game against the Braves, but the right-hander was present at the Ed Smith complex, preparing to undergo a physical.

The club has not yet confirmed the impending deal.

"From what I understand," manager Buck Showalter said prior to the game, "he's going to take a physical, and we'll see how the physical is."

Assuming all goes well with Ayala's physical, the club plans to sign him to a Minor League deal. Though he will be extended an invitation to Spring Training in the process, Showalter added that Ayala will not be part of the current competition for the final bullpen spots, and will instead report to Twin Lakes, the club's Minor League complex.

Ayala went 1-1 with a 2.90 ERA over 37 relief appearances with the Braves last season after being traded to Atlanta by the Orioles on April 10.