Miguel Gonzalez on pitching again in 2015: "I think it's important for all of us"

Miguel Gonzalez remains encouraged by his recovery and his chances of starting again this season for the Orioles.

Gonzalez made 25 throws from 60 feet yesterday, his first activity since going on the disabled list Sept. 4 with tendinitis in his right shoulder. He also had swelling in his right elbow. He's scheduled to throw from 90 feet on Wednesday and 120 feet on Friday.

"They want to take it slow," Gonzalez said.

If there are no setbacks, Gonzalez will progress to a bullpen session before the Orioles decide the next step.

"Maybe a game or another bullpen," Gonzalez said. "It depends how I feel."

The Orioles could arrange a simulated game for Gonzalez or send him down to the fall instructional league in Sarasota.

Gonzalez expects to pitch again here before the season ends. He's discussed it with head athletic trainer Richie Bancells, pitching coach Dave Wallace and bullpen coach Dom Chiti.

"They're pretty confident," Gonzalez said. "And if it doesn't happen, we can go with Plan B."

What's Plan B?

"I'll let them tell you that," Gonzalez said, laughing. "I'm not sure. Maybe instructs. I don't know. Maybe pitch in a game in instructs so I can feel good about myself.

"They want me to throw 70-80 pitches, so if I can't do it here, then they're going to want me to go down there. That's the Plan B."

The main goal for Gonzalez is getting back into the Orioles rotation. Manager Buck Showalter will create a spot for him. It's important to Gonzalez, who's 2-5 with a 6.04 ERA in nine starts since the All-Star break.

"Mostly confidence, I think," Gonzalez said. "If I can pitch again, I'll be mentally ready for it and that way I can be OK when I'm done with the season. That way, in the offseason I'll be fine. Just work hard to get back to where I was early this season.

"I think it's important for all of us. They want to know, especially me, see how I feel. And if I can make a start, they're going to be happy, as well."

Showalter mentioned that Major League Baseball is allowing teams to bring iPads into the dugout during the last few weeks of the season. He's assuming it's to check video and look up stats and scouting reports - a way to keep more people in the dugout instead of racing to the video room.

Last night's game marked the eighth time this season at Camden Yards that nether team hit a home run. According to STATS, it was the 236th homerless game in the ballpark's history.

The Orioles were 6-6 in their 12 homerless games at Camden Yards in 2014. They're are 115-120-1 in such games since the ballpark opened in 1992.

Anyone remember why there's a tie?

I had forgotten until Orioles PR reminded me of the Sept. 18, 2003 game against the Yankees that was suspended due to Hurricane Isabel with the score tied 1-1. Mike Mussina was denied his 200th career win. Yankees owner George Steinbrenner was furious.

In conjunction with Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, the Orioles today announced a new partnership with the office of Maryland Governor Larry Hogan to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and Ronald McDonald House Charities in the fight against pediatric cancer.

The Orioles will host a fundraiser beginning Wednesday before the 7:05 p.m. game against the Red Sox. The team will present a check for $50,000 to benefit the cause and are asking fans to join the effort.

Fans are invited to make a donation in any amount by visiting www.orioles.com/charity. An exclusive ticket offer will allow fans to contribute while receiving a 50 percent discount on game tickets for Wednesday or for the series against the Blue Jays from Sept. 28-Oct. 1. Fans may take advantage of the offer by visiting www.orioles.com/charity and donating $10 to the cause for each ticket purchased.

Through this partnership, the Orioles and Governor Hogan together hope to make a meaningful difference in the fight against childhood cancer. Governor Hogan is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatment to fight non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which was diagnosed in June.

"Since my diagnosis, I have met countless people fighting cancer, and many of them have been children with battles much more difficult than my own," Governor Hogan said in a press release. "But even in the face of such unimaginable adversity, these kids are among the strongest people I have ever known. Their faith and bravery are an inspiration, not only to me and others with cancer, but to anyone facing a tough personal challenge. I am thrilled to join with the Orioles, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, and the Ronald McDonald House to raise awareness for childhood cancer, and I encourage all Marylanders to get involved in this fight."

"On behalf of the entire Orioles organization, I would like to thank Governor Hogan for his leadership in raising awareness for these important programs," said Orioles Managing Partner Peter Angelos. "We are privileged to join with the Governor in the fight to end childhood cancer and to help advance life-saving research and treatment programs for the children that bravely battle this terrible disease."