40 Man Roster

MINNEAPOLIS -- Just one day after purchasing his contract from Triple-A Norfolk, the Orioles have designated right-handed Brad Bergesen for assignment in order so they could recall Wednesday's starter, right-hander Tommy Hunter. “This one came as a surprise because I know that the bullpen's been a little depleted and so I just know they needed some innings chewed up if a game got out of control or what not,” Bergesen said while packing his bag for a flight back to Norfolk Wednesday night.

The Orioles have reinstated pitcher Zach Britton from the 60-day disabled list and optioned him to Triple-A Norfolk.  Britton has been on the disabled list since March with a shoulder impingement. He now will be reinstated to the 40-man roster. To make room for Britton, right-hander Stu Pomeranz was placed on the 60-day disabled list due to an oblique tear. Britton made one of three rehab starts with Norfolk, allowing seven hits and four earned runs in six innings. Britton being optioned means he can't come to majors for 10 days unless there is an injury.

The Orioles are looking to take the rubber match of this three-game series against the Rays at Tropicana Field.  The teams are tied for first place in the AL East with identical 30-23 records. Newcomer Steve Pearce, who arrived in Tampa Bay around 8 p.m. yesterday, will immediately jump into the lineup, starting in right field and hitting eighth. Pearce seems to know a few guys in the clubhouse. He played with Ronny Paulino in Pittsburgh and attended South Carolina with Steve Tolleson.

WASHINGTON - Once considered a key member of the Orioles' young rotation, right-hander Brad Bergesen will be pitching for Triple-A Norfolk on Sunday without a spot on the organization's 40-man roster. That's something he hasn't done in more than four years. "It's been an interesting process, something I've gone through for the first time, kind of the in-limbo phase," said Bergesen, who was taken off the 40-man roster Friday when the Orioles made room for Bill Hall . "There was some unknown, whether I'd be playing for another team … I was kind of on pins and needles.

The Orioles revolving door kept spinning again on Saturday afternoon. Veteran Bill Hall has been called up from Triple-A Norfolk and is in the lineup batting seventh and playing left field Saturday night. Meanwhile, third baseman Mark Reynolds is heading to the disabled list for the first time in his career. He said he suffered an oblique injury making a throw during batting practice Friday. He said it's not severe, but he doesn't want to keep playing and let it get worse. “I hurt my oblique yesterday, and it's not too bad, but it's one of those things where if I push it, it'll get worse, so we're going to get it better before anything else happens," said Reynolds, who has hit .191 with two homers and nine RBIs in 27 games.

The Orioles have placed right-handed reliever Matt Lindstrom on the disabled list with a right middle finger injury in order to make space on the 25-man roster for tonight's starter, left-hander Dana Eveland. Eveland's contract was purchased from Triple-A Norfolk, and the Orioles designated minor-leaguer Zelous Wheeler for assignment in a corresponding 40-man roster move. Lindstrom allowed his first earned runs of the season in the second game of Thursday's doubleheader (3 runs, two earned, in one inning)

Left-handed pitcher Dana Eveland is on his way to Baltimore today and is expected to start Friday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Eveland, 28, was 3-2 with a 2.21 ERA in six starts at Triple-A Norfolk. Eveland is taking the spot that had been Tommy Hunter's, but Hunter was sent to Norfolk on Monday. Hunter has since returned and will pitch tonight in the second game of the doubleheader in place of Jason Hammel. Hammel's turn was skipped because he is dealing with soreness in his right knee.

Orioles right-hander Alfredo Simon has been placed on waivers, according to multiple industry sources. He was put on outright waivers. No announcement is expected from the team until he is claimed or clears. Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said waiver information is confidential, but said as of now, Simon is on the Orioles' 40-man roster. He would not comment further. Simon recently missed nine games with a groin injury that forced him from a start against the Yankees on March 18. He returned on Wednesday, but allowed six runs on six hits in two innings of relief work.

Right-hander Brad Bergesen's arbitration hearing was scheduled for this morning at 9:30. He was looking for $1.2 million, the Oriolescountered with $800,000. I have received no information otherwise -- and I've checked -- so it's assumed the private hearing commenced today. They usually run for several hours, and the three-member panel usually doesn't offer its opinion until the following day. This is the first time the Orioles have gone to a hearing with a player since 2006 with pitcher Rodrigo Lopez.

The Orioles have decided to offer a 2012 contract to right-hander Brad Bergesen as well as six others who are eligible for arbitration this winter. Of their nine arbitration-eligible players, only two were not offered contracts on Monday: lefty Jo-Jo Reyes and outfielder Luke Scott. Reliever Willie Eyre, who was taken off the 40-man roster and designated for assignment last week, also was listed as not being tendered a contract. The club now has 38 players on its 40-man roster.