MESA, Ariz. -- Raul Alcantara is doing his best to keep it a three-man race for the last two spots in the A's rotation.
One day after Andrew Triggs turned in a solid Cactus League start against the White Sox, Alcantara delivered a similar outing in Thursday's 15-5 win over the Brewers, holding them to two runs across 5 1/3 innings.
"I felt great," Alcantara said through an interpreter. "I was mixing up my pitches, throwing strikes and trying to get ahead of batters. I think everything was working for me."
Alcantara and Triggs are competing with another right-hander, Jesse Hahn, for rotation spots. Alcantara, who is out of options, is also being considered as a long-relief option. He's allowed 10 earned runs in 20 innings this spring for a 4.50 ERA.
Alcantara said he made some mechanical adjustments ahead of Thursday's outing, working to correct his arm slot and make it more consistent.
"I took everything I had going in the bullpen into the game," Alcantara said. "I felt great all spring, but today was my best start. Worked a little bit trying to get that fastball over, trying to get ahead with it, and I felt really good about today."
Another bullpen candidate, lefty Daniel Coulombe, was impressive for a second straight outing, tossing 2 1/3 scoreless innings. He hasn't allowed a run in his last two appearances, after surrendering eight over his previous four outings spanning 4 2/3 innings.
"Sharp breaking ball, good command of his fastball," A's manager Bob Melvin said. "He's coming along good the last couple times out."
Veteran lefty Ross Detwiler, meanwhile, didn't fare well against the Brewers, allowing three runs on three hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning. The non-roster pitcher, already a long shot to make the team, hasn't helped his chances of late, surrendering 11 runs over his last 4 1/3 innings.
Worth noting
• Outfielder Jaff Decker (oblique) took swings in the batting cage Thursday, and he was also expected to participate in on-field work, putting him closer to game action.
• Infielder Joey Wendle, who hasn't played in a game since March 7 because of a sore right shoulder, began throwing again Thursday.