masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles manager Buck Showalter had lunch today with pitching coach Rick Adair.

Adair took a personal leave of absence from the team on Aug. 16. He returned to Baltimore this morning and packed up a few belongings before heading to to Birmingham, Ala., to be with his father, who’s ill.

Showalter didn’t know whether Adair would rejoin the Orioles later this month or return in 2014.

“I think everything else kind of becomes academic until that situation is taken care of in his mind and in…Orioles manager Buck Showalter had lunch today with pitching coach Rick Adair.

Adair took a personal leave of absence from the team on Aug. 16. He returned to Baltimore this morning and packed up a few belongings before heading to to Birmingham, Ala., to be with his father, who’s ill.

Showalter didn’t know whether Adair would rejoin the Orioles later this month or return in 2014.

“I think everything else kind of becomes academic until that situation is taken care of in his mind and in his family’s mind,” Showalter said. “Those other questions, I think it’s something that takes such precedent over anything we’re doing. Those are discussions for another day and another time, in my mind. And I understand – we can kind of live in a cold world sometimes – but it’s a reminder of what’s really important in our lives.

“He’s in as good of spirits as you could imagine, comparatively speaking. It’s a tough time for him and his family.”

Bill Castro remains the pitching coach in Adair’s absence. Scott McGregor replaced Castro as bullpen coach.

Showalter also told reporters today that outfielder Steve Pearce will receive another cortisone injection in his left wrist to alleviate the inflammation and discomfort.

Pearce is eligible to come off the disabled list on Sept. 12, but that’s no longer a reasonable expectation. However, Showalter remains hopeful that Pearce will play again this season.