Updating Pearce, McFarland and pitching matchups

OAKLAND - Steve Pearce's right arm is feeling much better today after the cortisone injection, the improvement more pronounced than Orioles manager Buck Showalter had anticipated.

Pearce seems like a good bet to avoid the disabled list. Showalter said he'll have a better idea on Wednesday.

"He's improved today," Showalter said. "I was talking to he and Richie (Bancells). A lot better than usually, so hopefully that's a good sign that he can stay off the DL."

Pearce felt discomfort in his right forearm and left yesterday's game in the fifth inning. The injection is working.

"Steve said on the plane that they definitely hit the spot," Showalter said. "The first time they hit a nerve and his arm went straight out. Then they went back in there.

"The doctor gave him the 'oops.' You ever had an 'oops' with a needle? I have. In my knee. It's OK, doc, just jam it in there."

Pearce could be available tonight without having to throw the ball.

"There's a couple things he could do for us on the field tonight, but probably tomorrow afternoon or Wednesday afternoon, somewhere in there, we'll have an idea of what we're dealing with. We were thinking Wednesday afternoon we'll be able to make a decision. Definitely before we go to San Francisco."

Left-hander T.J. McFarland is scheduled to throw two or three innings Tuesday in the Gulf Coast League while recovering from a knee injury. He hasn't pitched since June 28 in San Diego.

McFarland is expected to go on an injury rehab assignment following his appearance with the GCL team.

The Athletics will start left-hander Ross Detwiler and former Orioles farmhand Andrew Triggs in the last two games of the series. They purchased Detwiler's contract from the Indians on July 17.

Triggs, selected off waivers from the Orioles on March 16, will be making his 20th major league appearance and second start.

"Guys change a little bit," Showalter said, downplaying the Orioles' possible advantage. "We were trying to keep him this spring. Just didn't work out. Good pitcher. He's a good signing by them."

Triggs, 27, posted a 1.03 ERA and 0.869 WHIP in 43 relief appearances with Double-A Bowie in 2015. He pitched one inning against the Orioles and struck out the side in the second game of a May 7 doubleheader.

"He's a smart guy," Showalter said. "Can sink the ball. Has multiple ways to get you out. We just didn't have room for him. We knew somebody was going to take him. We tried to work out a way to keep him. Can't keep them all."

The Orioles are starting Yovani Gallardo and Chris Tillman in the last two games. Left-hander Wade Miley opposes Zach Neal on Tuesday.