Fiers, who allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk across five innings in a Cactus League loss to the Royals on Tuesday, feels sufficiently tuned up at this point in spring, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports. "I feel good at this point," Fiers said. "I could start the season in my next start and feel like I would be fine."

EDGE Analysis

The veteran right-hander allowed a solo home run to Nicky Lopez on his third pitch, but he was largely effective the rest of the way while working up to 74 pitches, 57 of which found the strike zone. Gallegos reports Fiers was particularly consistent in getting ahead of hitters, throwing first-pitch strikes to 16 of 22 batters. Fiers will likely work up to approximately 90 pitches in a start versus the Padres on Sunday, and he remains in contention with Frankie Montas for an Opening Day start. "A lot of strikes with all his pitches and that's what you want to see right now," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He's getting a better feel at this point in time. He threw his curveball for a strike, his cutter, his changeup. Pretty similar to his last time out."

Fiers fired four shutout innings in a Cactus League win over the Dodgers on Thursday, allowing one hit and no walks while recording four strikeouts.

EDGE Analysis

Fiers gave up only a second-inning single during the stellar outing, one in which Chris Haft of MLB.com reports the veteran right-hander reached his stated goal of 60 pitches. Fiers earned praise from manager Bob Melvin for how effective he was with his entire four-pitch arsenal, which consists of a fastball, curveball, cutter and changeup. The strong showing was a welcome sight for Fiers, who'd allowed five earned runs on four hits and three walks across two innings in his previous Cactus League start against the Reds on Saturday.

Fiers was included on the roster for Wednesday's American League Wild Card Game against the Rays, Neil Solondz of the Rays Radio Network reports.

EDGE Analysis

The right-hander has struggled over five starts in September, recording an ERA of 7.84 and a 1.45 WHIP over 20.2 innings pitched. Despite the recent struggles, Fiers will be available on four days' rest against the Rays' lineup filled with left-handers. Sean Manaea will receive the start for the Athletics, but Fiers will be available out of the bullpen if Manaea struggles.

Fiers allowed two runs on four hits and two walks while striking out four over five innings in a no-decision against the Mariners on Friday night.

EDGE Analysis

This was another step forward for Fiers after a brutal stretch from mid-August to mid-September in which he gave up 12 homers in 24.1 innings. In his final two regular-season starts, Fiers allowed two runs on six hits and two walks with nine strikeouts over 13 innings. Overall, he ranks top 10 among qualified American League starters in wins, innings, ERA and WHIP, but it probably won't be enough to get him the start in the Wild Card Game over lefty Sean Manaea.

Fiers (15-4) allowed only two hits over eight scoreless innings, striking out five and earning the win in Friday's 8-0 victory over the Rangers.

EDGE Analysis

Fiers' durability was in question after he left his previous start with nerve irritation in his arm, but it didn't seem to bother the right-hander in this start. Fiers threw 65 of his 95 pitches for strikes and erased the only two hits with a double play and a pickoff. Prior to Friday, the 34-year-old had allowed 16 runs over his previous 7.2 innings. Fiers has a 3.91 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with 122 strikeouts in 179.2 innings this season. He lines up to face the Mariners on Thursday for likely his final start of the year.

Fiers (arm) is slated to make his next start Friday against the Rangers, but he may be on a lower pitch count than normal due to Jesus Luzardo's availability out of the bullpen, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fiers' clean MRI on Wednesday cemented his availability for Friday's turn, a start that had been in question after nerve irritation in his throwing arm led to his early exit last Saturday versus the Rangers. However, this latest report lends credence to the notion Fiers will still be on a pitch count, albeit for reasons unrelated to his arm issue. With Luzardo conditioned to work multiple innings, Fiers may be set to log five or fewer frames by design against Texas.

Fiers (arm) relayed Wednesday that his recent MRI came back clean and that he's set to make his next scheduled start Friday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

The news has steadily been trending up throughout the week with respect to Fiers, and Tuesday's successful 35-pitch bullpen session offered some tangible evidence that the nerve irritation which had forced him from Saturday's start had significantly subsided. However, a clean MRI offers yet another layer of assurance that the right-hander's issues may have only been temporary. Fiers therefore lines up to take his scheduled turn against the Rangers on Friday.

Fiers (arm) threw a 35-pitch bullpen session Tuesday and should be able to start this weekend against the Rangers, Martin Gallegos of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It sounds like the bullpen session was a success. He will presumably start Saturday or Sunday. Fiers has a 9.33 ERA and 2.24 WHIP in 18.1 innings over his last five outings.

Fiers (arm) expects to throw a bullpen session Tuesday, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fiers has yet to undergo an MRI after leaving his last outing with nerve irritation in his right arm, but the right-hander is optimistic about tossing a side session after he undergoes further testing Tuesday. He did note that his visit to the team doctor went well, which is a positive sign. If Fiers is able to throw a bullpen, he'd be on track to make his next start, which figures to come Saturday against Texas.

Manager Bob Melvin said Sunday that he expects Fiers (arm) to make his upcoming start during next weekend's home series with the Rangers, Susan Slusser of the San Francisco Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Fiers exited his start Saturday in Texas with nerve irritation in his right arm, but the Athletics' initial examinations of the 34-year-old apparently didn't reveal anything too concerning. He'll be sent in for further evaluation Monday when the Athletics return to Oakland, but the prevailing belief is that he's just dealing with a minor stinger and will be able to make his next turn through the rotation. Thanks to an off day Thursday, the Athletics -- who already have a six-man rotation in place -- would have sufficient coverage if Fiers is forced to miss a turn.