What's next for Bergesen?

The Orioles didn't really need a rainout last night, but they got one anyway. The bullpen rested on Monday. The rotation was set, with Brad Bergesen on the verge of being recalled to start tonight. It was time to play ball. If you wanted Bergesen to avoid the Yankees, your wish was granted. He's being skipped, with Chris Tillman scheduled to pitch tonight and Jake Arrieta taking the ball tomorrow night. Bergesen is 0-2 with a 6.60 ERA in three career starts against the Yankees, with 14 hits allowed, eight walks and eight strikeouts in 15 innings. So much for his shot at redemption. Bergesen is a man without a team. The Orioles didn't officially recall him. They made him stay in Baltimore after optioning him to Triple-A Norfolk, and they brought him to New York with the intention of handing him shortstop J.J. Hardy's roster spot. He's still in New York, but he's also in limbo. Hardy will go on the disabled list today unless we have another rainout and the Orioles decide not to make a move. Bergesen could work in relief until they need a starter for Sunday's series finale in Cleveland, maybe treat one appearance like a side session if the opportunity presents itself. But if the tarp never comes off the field tonight, he could be handed a plane ticket and swept away to the Tides. It's been exactly one week since Bergesen has faced batters. The guy's got to be feeling a little rusty, especially after losing innings in spring training when that Denard Span line drive slammed off his forearm. He's trying to find a rhythm, and the Orioles figured it would be easier if he made a few starts for Norfolk. Bergesen wouldn't be needed Sunday if tonight's game also is postponed. Jeremy Guthrie could make the start one week after leaving his hospital bed and holding the Rangers to one run over six innings. Tillman could start tomorrow, followed by Jake Arrieta on Friday and Zach Britton on Saturday. At some point, the Orioles will recall catcher Craig Tatum and make him the primary backup to Matt Wieters. They'd prefer to use Jake Fox in a utility role and as a right-handed bat off the bench. But they'll go with the extra arm for now - unless the weather keeps disrupting their plans. Tatum's batting .125 with Norfolk, but the Orioles won't keep him down on the farm because of his average. Bergesen needs to pitch. Somewhere. Anywhere. He'd naturally prefer to do it in a major league uniform, but this inactivity isn't doing him any good. The baseball gods aren't smiling down at Bergesen, they're giving him the finger. And I don't think they're calling for a fastball. Speaking of Norfolk, Brandon Snyder went 2-for-4 with two RBIs last night in a 4-3 victory over Gwinnett. Nolan Reimold went 1-for-4 with an RBI and three strikeouts. Clay Rapada picked up the save with a perfect ninth inning that included a strikeout. Chorye Spoone, pitching in his first Triple-A game, allowed three runs and seven hits, with three walks and one strikeout, in five innings. He was promoted from Double-A Bowie to take Bergesen's place in the rotation. He's not expected to stay with the Tides. Ronnie Welty homered for the Baysox last night.