Bergy will start Thursday for Norfolk (plus Townsend update)

Brad Bergesen's next start is set for this Thursday night when Triple-A Norfolk plays at Toledo. Bergesen, who was 3-4, 6.50 in 12 games, 10 starts for the Orioles, was optioned back to Norfolk on Sunday for the second time this year. Bergesen got the win in his one other Triple-A start this year, on April 25 vs. Charlotte. In seven innings, he allowed seven hits and two runs in that game, throwing 81 pitches. "The plan is for Bergesen to make that start on Thursday," John Stockstill, the Orioles' director of player development, said. "We want to get him two or three starts and back working with (pitching coach) Mike Griffin. Then we will re-evaluate how he is doing." Armando Gabino will start for Norfolk tonight and Tim Bascom is the scheduled starter in a Noon game at Columbus on Tuesday. After a Wednesday off day, Bergesen takes the mound on Thursday. Brandon Erbe and Troy Patton will also remain part of Norfolk's rotation. It's possible the Tides will go with a six-man rotation that will also include Chris George. Or they could use a pitcher or pitchers to "piggy back" with another starter and both pitch in the same game. By the way, Tuesday afternoon's Norfolk game will be televised live over MLB Network at Noon. Meanwhile, Tyler Townsend, last year's third-round pick, should return to game action soon. Townsend has been on the DL twice this season with hamstring injuries. He played three games for Delmarva from April 20-22, going 5 for 10 with 2 RBI in those outings. He is now back to just about 100 percent health. He could return to Delmarva later this week or possibly even join the Aberdeen squad. Meanwhile, today LHP Tony Butler and LHP Jake Smith were released by the Orioles. RHP's Kevin Landry and Tom Phelps were added to Delmarva from Aberdeen. Butler went 1-4 with a 7.66 ERA while Smith posted a 3-2 mark with a 4.54 ERA. Landry was selected in the 21st round of the 2009 First Year Player Draft out of the College of William & Mary. Phelps was picked in the 38th round of the 2008 First Year Player Draft out of Whittier College (CA).