masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter has chosen Rick VandenHurk to start Saturday’s game in Toronto.

Showalter also considered left-handers Jo-Jo Reyes and Brian Matusz, but he’s going with VandenHurk, who has allowed one run and two hits, with three walks and two strikeouts, in two relief appearances covering 3 2/3 innings.

VandenHurk went 9-13 with a 4.43 ERA in 26 starts at Triple-A Norfolk, with 40 walks and 108 strikeouts in 154 1/3 innings. He allowed one earned run or fewer in each of his…Orioles manager Buck Showalter has chosen Rick VandenHurk to start Saturday’s game in Toronto.

Showalter also considered left-handers Jo-Jo Reyes and Brian Matusz, but he’s going with VandenHurk, who has allowed one run and two hits, with three walks and two strikeouts, in two relief appearances covering 3 2/3 innings.

VandenHurk went 9-13 with a 4.43 ERA in 26 starts at Triple-A Norfolk, with 40 walks and 108 strikeouts in 154 1/3 innings. He allowed one earned run or fewer in each of his last three outings.

“It’s a good opportunity for him,” Showalter said. “We want to see where he is. He’s one of those guys you have to make decisions on going forward.”

VandenHurk, 26, is out of minor league options. The Orioles outrighted him in spring training before purchasing his contract this month.

“He pitched real well the last month there (Norfolk),” Showalter said. “Obviously, Vandy looks the part and has a good arm. He has a good makeup. You try to keep in mind this guy was a catcher for a while. Arm-wise, you look at him a little differently than you do most guys at 26. He has a lot younger arm than that.

“We know the challenges he had when we got him, and some that he’s had with his command and his breaking ball and things he has to do to defend himself and give us a chance to win. Some things that he’s been doing there the last month or two, we’ll see if that plays here. I’m sure he’ll have some nervous energy about it, but it’s an opportunity. I hope he takes advantage of it.”

Today’s starter, Alfredo Simon, is 0-5 with a 5.40 ERA in seven games (five starts) against AL East teams this season. He has one win in 27 career appearances (seven starts) against the division. It came in relief against the Rays on Sept. 5, 2010.

Also, Jason Berken threw a simulated game today in Sarasota. Showalter was told that it went well.

For the Yankees:

Derek Jeter SS
Curtis Granderson CF
Mark Teixeira 1B
Alex Rodriguez DH
Robinson Cano 2B
Nick Swisher RF
Eric Chavez 3B
Francisco Cervelli C
Brett Gardner LF

Ivan Nova RHP