Bergesen joining team in Minnesota (N. Johnson to 60-day DL)

Needing another long reliever for tonight, the Orioles have made arrangements to purchase Brad Bergesen's contract from Triple-A Norfolk. Reliever Miguel Socolovich is expected to be optioned to Norfolk after replacing starter Chris Tillman in the first inning last night and working 2 1/3 innings. The Orioles must create room on the 40-man roster for Bergesen, who's been in the minors all season. As I just stated on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," one solution is to transfer Nick Johnson to the 60-day disabled list. The club discussed that move a few days ago. Bergesen is 4-3 with a 4.03 ERA in 22 games (10 starts) with the Tides, with 90 hits, 23 walks and 41 strikeouts in 80 1/3 innings. He hasn't pitched since Saturday, when he tossed two scoreless innings. He's been used once since July 8. He's a fresh arm for a team desperately in need of one. The Orioles outrighted Bergesen on May 17. He was designated for assignment on May 12 to make room for infielder/outfielder Bill Hall on the 40-man roster. Bergesen is 2-0 with a 2.89 ERA in 12 relief appearances at Norfolk and 2-3 with a 4.64 ERA in 10 starts. He was scheduled to start tonight before being scratched. Matt Bischoff, who registered an 8.53 ERA in 10 relief appearances between Single-A Delmarva and Frederick, is starting tonight for Norfolk. He's the 23rd different starter for the Tides this season, which ties a franchise record. Update: As expected, catcher Ronny Paulino accepted his outright assignment to Norfolk and will share catching duties with Luis Exposito. The Tides will need a starter for tomorrow night with Tommy Hunter joining the Orioles in Minnesota. Update II: Johnson was moved to the 60-day DL to make room for Bergesen on the 40-man roster. The Orioles confirmed the series of moves, including Robert Andino going on the 15-day disabled list and Socolovich being optioned.