Thursday's O's notes

The Orioles will look to avoid another series loss from the A's tonight before heading to Toronto and New York to face the AL East rival Blue Jays and Yankees. Brad Bergesen will take the mound to face Gio Gonzalez, one of the young and impressive arms in the A's organization.

Here are some pregame notes:

- Nick Markakis is away from the team while his wife gives birth to their second child. He will meet the team in Toronto tomorrow.

- Luke Scott is still out with a strain in his shoulder. Scott hit off a tee yesterday but did not take batting practice. He did take batting practice on Thursday and came out of it pain free... but will not play until Friday in Toronto. Scott did not need an MRI.

- In Scott's place, Garrett Atkins will DH and bat seventh, Julio Lugo will bat second and play second while Ty Wigginton will get the start at first and bat third. In the outfield, Lou Montanez will play right, Jones in center and Corey Patterson in left batting leadoff.