Hi all, we're under an official 45-minute rain delay for now before the start of a game that might not be played today at all. There's also thunder and lightning, so that's no good. I'm told this all might let up in an hour, but stay tuned, On with Diamond notes:

- Russell Martin revealed that he has been dealing with back soreness and was happy to get the day off for once. "I felt like my lower back was getting locked up," as he describes it. "Maybe I've felt a little bit slower. Grady Little debated with giving him Sunday off in order since Monday is a team off day, but chose today instead.

- It turns out Derek Lowe didn't strain his groin after all, No, in fact, it was hip irritation. He threw off flat ground today before it started raining and is set to test the hip off a mound tomorrow.

- Brad Penny still has some lingering abdominal soreness after cramping up yesterday, but is expected to make his next start.