O's on verge of signing Ayala for Triple-A depth

BRADENTON, Fla. -- As of Thursday evening, there was no official word on whether the Orioles are signing free-agent pitcher Luis Ayala, although the team is headed that way.

Manager Buck Showalter said he hadn't heard anything prior to the Orioles' night contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates, but that Ayala would not join big league camp. Instead, the veteran right-hander would add depth at Triple-A Norfolk.

Ayala, who pitched for the Orioles in 2012, was released by the Washington Nationals on Wednesday. He appeared in two games for the O's last season before being traded to the Braves.