McFarland was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk on Monday, Jon Meoli of the Baltimore Sun reports.

EDGE Analysis

McFarland had been designated for assignment Sunday, but the procedural change to being optioned will keep the left-handed reliever on the 40-man roster. He's struggled to the tune of a 6.93 ERA in the majors this season, but he could get another shot in a low-leverage role in the bullpen down the stretch run once rosters are expanded in September.