Saturday's starter and Arrieta's timetable.

The Orioles skipped Brad Bergesen’s start with Monday’s off day and won’t need a fifth starter until Saturday against the Mets. Who gets that start will depend largely on what happens the rest of this week.

Jake Arrieta (who is scheduled to start Thursday in Norfolk) could make that start if the team has to use Bergesen in relief sometime this week. If not, Bergesen could make Saturday’s scheduled start. Arrieta’s dominance in Triple-A has all the Orioles starters on notice. It’s not a matter of if, but really when the team wants to call him up.

I’m hearing there’s an extra pitcher in Norfolk that is up from Bowie today, and it’s not official, but he’s largely thought to be taking Arrieta’s roster spot soon. As in, the next few days, soon.

Bergesen needs to demonstrate that his mechanics are straightened out and he can be effective on a consistent basis. I think it’s too early to give up on him. But Arrieta has been knocking on the door for a while. It’s time the Orioles see what he can do.  

Regardless, should be an interesting next few days.