Britton starting Tuesday in Norfolk (rain update)

I don't have any weather information to pass along. The tarp is off the field and the sun is peeking through the clouds. The forecast is ominous, but the Orioles will try to play this game. A postponement could lead to a Sept. 8 game here, since both teams are off that day. The Orioles have an open date between series in New York and Toronto. Flying to Baltimore for one game wouldn't be an ideal arrangement. Update: The tarp's on the field and it's pouring again. Zach Britton, on the disabled list with a strained left shoulder, will make an injury-rehab start Tuesday night at Triple-A Norfolk. By my count, the plan has changed three times. Britton was supposed to start today at Double-A Bowie. The Orioles decided to give him an extra bullpen session yesterday and indicated he would join Single-A Frederick tomorrow or Tuesday. Now we're told he's joining the Tides. Britton said his left shoulder feels great. The Orioles haven't determined when he'll start for them. It figured to be next weekend in Anaheim, and he would be working on normal rest Sunday. However, the club is off Thursday, so the rotation is unsettled again. Tommy Hunter, Brian Matusz and Alfredo Simon will start the three games in Oakland. Matusz flew from Charlotte to Norfolk yesterday and packed his clothes. He's driving to Baltimore today and will take the team charter to the West Coast. Manager Buck Showalter said he won't shut down Jeremy Guthrie if the right-hander reaches 19 losses. Guthrie is 5-16. Left-hander Michael Gonzalez hasn't allowed a run in his last eight appearances and 13 of 14. Nick Markakis has recorded a hit in 177 consecutive series, the longest active streak in the majors. He needs one today to keep it alive. According to Elias, Juan Pierre hit in 241 consecutive series from 2003-2007. Markakis would need a hit in each series from now until late Sept. 2012 to catch him. Jake Arrieta returned to the clubhouse this morning, carrying pieces of his bone spur in a small plastic jar. Not before breakfast, please.