Showalter provides updates on Markakis and Pearce

Earlier today, Orioles manager Buck Showalter was asked whether he's concerned about Nick Markakis and Steve Pearce being available for the Division Series. "Not at this point," he replied." "Nick came in today when I first saw him and he was going to play. 'I'd like to play if it's OK with you.' Whatever. And then I said, 'Why don't you go down to the cage and see how everything is.' After the cage ... He's getting better every day. That's why I'm not at this point. "More of the concern is diving for a ball, which he will do, sliding. If you think about it, it's kind of like a blow to the rotator cuff. It got in there deep. I watched in slow motion. That thing got in between the blade. "I like the idea that they don't think there's anything structurally wrong with either one. They've X-rayed, so I'm hoping it will manage itself." Pearce went on the disabled list twice last season with soreness in his left wrist, and he also had discomfort in the right. He's not playing again today after receiving a cortisone injection yesterday in his right wrist. Is Showalter a little more concerned due to Pearce's injury history with his wrists? "Oh yeah, of course you are, even though you have a history of it resolving itself and we all kind of know what it stems from," Showalter said. Pearce aggravated his condition in 2012 by taking extra swings. "We've all had that talk with Stevie, but what's tough about that is that's also who Steve is. You take that edge away from him ..." Showalter said. "Some people need that edge and you've got to be careful about taking it away from them. He's in a little bit different stage of his career where people are counting on him and he's kind of become a guy that we're leaning on. That's what I've tried to relay to him, that you're a valuable part of this club and we really need you to manage this with some smartness." Pearce isn't likely to play before Tuesday in New York because of the cortisone injection. Markakis could return to the lineup on Monday. "It's two to three days, which, when I hear that I go 'three' on Steve to be completely resolved," Showalter said. "He's got to take a little BP. I want to make sure he feels good the day after. "Once he gets cleared, you've got to close the cage so he can't get in it. You've got to close all the cages around Yankee Stadium that kids go to. You've got to give him an extra-small room at the hotel so he can't hit in his room. Don't let him carry a bat back to the room. "I expect him to play in New York. But if they don't, they don't."