Latest on Britton trade talk (O's lead 2-1)

The tarp has been peeled off the infield at Camden Yards while the grounds crew rakes the dirt and applies the drying compound. Dark clouds are hovering, but the rain has stopped.

The tarp hasn't been rolled up. It's just folded in the outfield.

The gates opened about 30 minutes later than usual as head groundskeeper Nicole Sherry continued to monitor the radar.

As always, the Orioles will try to play tonight and avoid losing an off-day or being subjected to another doubleheader.

Meanwhile, the jockeying of teams pursuing Orioles closer Zach Britton is beginning to resemble a mosh pit. Front of the stage. Bodies rising and falling.

Don't expect a long set of encores, because the Orioles really want to wrap it up and move onto other business.

As early as Sunday afternoon, the Astros, Red Sox and Cubs were deemed as the most active teams in trade talks, with the Dodgers close to the pack and the Phillies and Yankees "a step behind," according to a source. However, a source indicated today that the Astros and Yankees are "in the lead," with the Red Sox close to them.

The Cubs seem to have dropped back, though again, it takes one phone call or text to change the order and perhaps seal a deal.

The Brewers and Diamondbacks also have reached out to the Orioles regarding Britton, the former reportedly making an aggressive push. The Indians acquired All-Star left-hander Brad Hand from the Padres last week.

Britton no longer needs to be showcased for rival scouts. He's strung together eight consecutive scoreless outings and they've seen the increased velocity and movement on his sinker. He's proven to be healthy, delighted in his ability to cover first base without his mind racing back to the December Achilles surgery.

Manager Buck Showalter had Britton warming last night in the ninth inning and would have used him in the 10th if the Orioles battled back to tie the game. Their rally fell short in a 5-3 loss to the Red Sox.

Each appearance is a risk, of course, and a forecast this week heavy in rain increases the anxiety. The Orioles are trying to be careful with him, but also don't want to put him on the shelf while waiting for the completion of a trade.

Interest in second baseman Jonathan Schoop is building as his bat heats up. He's gone 27-for-75 (.360) with five home runs in 19 games this month - three following the All-Star break - to raise his average to .235.

The Brewers have talked to the Orioles about Schoop, as I tweeted Sunday, but a report that the sides are close to a deal is inaccurate, according to a source. Only the discussions have been confirmed.

Starters Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman and reliever Mychal Givens also are drawing interest from multiple clubs, and the Orioles will continue to listen despite having them under contractural control beyond 2018 and 2019.

Update: J.D. Martinez homered off Yefry Ramírez with two outs in the first inning to give the Red Sox a 1-0 lead.

Update II: Jonathan Schoop hit a two-run homer off Drew Pomeranz in the third to give the Orioles a 2-1 lead. Schoop has homered in three straight games and four of five.