Notes before tonight's game

Outfielder Steve Pearce underwent an MRA on his left wrist today in Sarasota to determine whether there's any structural damage. Hand specialist Dr. Brian Schofield examined Pearce in Sarasota. He performed the surgery on Nick Markakis' left thumb last year. An MRA involves dye being injected in the wrist. Infielder Jonathan Schoop, on the minor league disabled list with a stress fracture in his lower back, will begin his rehab assignment Thursday in the Gulf Coast League. The assignment is expected to last at least one week. Wilson Betemit continues to perform baseball activities "as tolerated" while making a slow recovery from a torn PCL in his right knee. Kevin Gausman and Zach Britton will pitch Sunday for Triple-A Norfolk before the break. The Orioles optioned both pitchers following last night's game. Tsuyoshi Wada was a consideration to replace Gausman in the bullpen today, but the Orioles want him to continue starting every fifth day with Norfolk. Also, as I wrote last night, manager Buck Showalter prefers having a right-handed long reliever back up a left-hander starter, and Wei-Yin Chen is on the mound tonight. The Orioles still view Wada as a starter instead of a bullpen candidate. According to STATS, J.J. Hardy and Manny Machado have the second-most extra-base hits by a shortstop/third baseman combination in the majors with 80, trailing only the Tigers (84). Here are the pitching matchups for the Orioles-Blue Jays series at Camden Yards: Friday - Chris Tillman vs. Mark Buehrle Saturday - Jason Hammel vs. Todd Redmond Sunday - Scott Feldman vs. Josh Johnson Knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa is the the 15th different starting pitcher used by Norfolk this season. Gamboa is making his first start tonight with the Tides after being promoted from Double-A Bowie.