masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHOUSTON – Steve Pearce gets the start in left field tonight, as the Orioles begin a four-game series against the Astros at Minute Maid Park. He’ll bat second, while Manny Machado slides down to the seventh spot.

Nelson Cruz is serving as the designated hitter, and Ryan Flaherty is starting at second base.

David Lough is the only current Oriole who has faced Astros starter Brad Peacock, going 1-for-2 against him, but he’s on the bench.

For the Orioles
Nick Markakis RF
Steve Pearce LF
Adam…HOUSTON – Steve Pearce gets the start in left field tonight, as the Orioles begin a four-game series against the Astros at Minute Maid Park. He’ll bat second, while Manny Machado slides down to the seventh spot.

Nelson Cruz is serving as the designated hitter, and Ryan Flaherty is starting at second base.

David Lough is the only current Oriole who has faced Astros starter Brad Peacock, going 1-for-2 against him, but he’s on the bench.

MinuteMaidParkTall.jpgFor the Orioles
Nick Markakis RF
Steve Pearce LF
Adam Jones CF
Chris Davis 1B
Nelson Cruz DH
J.J. Hardy SS
Manny Machado 3B
Ryan Flaherty 2B
Nick Hundley C

Ubaldo Jimenez RHP

For the Astros
Jose Altuve 2B
George Springer RF
Dexter Fowler CF
Jason Castro C
Matt Dominguez 3B
Chris Carter 1B
Alex Presley LF
Robbie Grossman DH
Jonathan Villar SS

Brad Peacock RHP

Catcher Matt Wieters will do some light throwing on Friday to test his right elbow for the first time since going on the disabled list.

A small group of Orioles took early batting practice today, including Lough, Pearce and Flaherty.

Evan Meek tossed a scoreless inning today for Triple-A Norfolk in his first game since the Orioles outrighted him yesterday.