Up next for Gonzo: Norfolk

Left-hander Michael Gonzalez will report to Triple-A Norfolk on Friday and pitch in three games before the Orioles decide whether to activate him. Gonzalez will pitch Friday and Sunday. He'll throw again on Monday or Tuesday, depending on whether he needs the rest. John Stockstill, the Orioles' director of minor league operations, said there's a "slight possibility" that the club could activate Gonzalez on Friday, but the reliever's rehab assignment is expected to continue in the International League. Gonzalez gave up a solo home run last night to Auburn's Oliver Dominquez among his two hits allowed in 1 2/3 innings at Aberdeen. Stockstill said the pitch, which resulted in the third homer allowed by Gonzalez in 11 minor league innings, was an inside fastball. "He was mixing up his pitches and did a pretty good job, but (Dominquez) was sitting on the fastball," Stockstill said. "We're not real concerned about the home runs. Obviously, you'd rather that he not give them up, but we're not concerned." Gonzalez threw 30 pitches last night, and his fastball topped out at 93 mph. You can't always go by the ballpark radar guns, which tend to be a little slower. "He was fine," Stockstill said. "He continues to improve."