Updates on game status, Garcia, Gonzalez and more (we're under way)

The rain continues to fall at Camden Yards and the start of today's game will be delayed.

The only time that the tarp was peeled back was to allow the grounds crew to work on the area around home plate. It was a brief exposure.

Manager Buck Showalter stopped by the weather room after finishing his session with the media. He's searching for a window to play the game.

Rule 5 pick Jason Garcia will pitch in the Arizona Fall League. The Orioles checked to make sure he was eligible.

The Orioles want to develop Garcia as a multi-inning reliever.

Miguel Gonzalez will start throwing on flat ground on Monday while recovering from right shoulder tendinitis.

"We felt like the shoulder would manage and it was just a matter of how quickly the elbow came around, because that was kind of new," Showalter said. "We feel good about the structure being good in both places."

The Orioles want Gonzalez to get back in the rotation before the season ends.

"It may happen, it may not happen, but I think it would be good," Showalter said. "The best scenario is he gets some starts under his belt before we go into the offseason and he and we know what we're dealing with.

"It's important, but if it doesn't happen doesn't mean he isn't going to be a good pitcher for us next year. But it would certainly help his state of mind and our confidence level. But I think knowing that there's no structural damage in there, he knows that at some point it's going to manage itself and he's going to be back to the guy who could locate his fastball. When is the question.

"We'd love for that to happen before we leave, which we hope is early November."

Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson visited the clubhouse with his son and grandson and stopped in Showalter's office for a few minutes. Third baseman Manny Machado hugged Robinson and introduced him to second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who leaned in for a hug. It really was a cool scene.

"Always the highlight. It's like having the Pope visit," Showalter said.

"He's so humble. Every time he comes in there it's like he feels like he's putting you out by being in there and taking up your time. Most guys of his stature, they really respect what goes on in the locker room, but he does it to a fault. I wish he'd come every day. I'd love to just sit him down in the middle of the locker room and let him talk.

"He looked great. It looks like he's feeling better. And it's very obvious that he's engaged in what we're doing. We were talking there and you could tell he's up to date on everything with us. I'm sure a lot of it through you all. He's an impressive man.

"He reminded me that we had won three in a row after his visit last year. That was one of the best pictures we've got in our locker room, that time with him here. He seems to always have time for everybody. Quite a pull on him."

The Red Land Little League team from Lewisberry, Pa., which advanced to the championship game, also is here today. Schoop gave them a bat and several pairs of batting gloves.