masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgOrioles outfielder Steve Pearce took live batting practice today in Sarasota and was hit by a pitch in his third at-bat.
Chris Perez, serving a 50-game suspension that was handed down in June for a second positive test for a drug of abuse, drilled Pearce in the back. The Orioles ended the BP session and will check on Pearce Thursday before determining how close he is to going on a rehab assignment.
Pearce is on the disabled list retroactive to July 19 with a strained left oblique.
The Orioles…

Orioles outfielder Steve Pearce took live batting practice today in Sarasota and was hit by a pitch in his third at-bat.

Chris Perez, serving a 50-game suspension that was handed down in June for a second positive test for a drug of abuse, drilled Pearce in the back. The Orioles ended the BP session and will check on Pearce Thursday before determining how close he is to going on a rehab assignment.

pearce-at-bat-white-close-day-game-sidebar.jpgPearce is on the disabled list retroactive to July 19 with a strained left oblique.

The Orioles signed Perez to a minor league deal on July 2.

Matt Wieters’ right hamstring is fine after he caught last night.

Buck Showalter said he’d be surprised if Wieters didn’t catch back-to-back days before the season ends. It’s happened only once.

Reliever Chaz Roe, on the disabled list with right shoulder tendinitis, threw off flat ground today for the first time. He’ll repeat the session one or two times before throwing off a mound.

Roe will be sent on a brief rehab assignment before coming off the disabled list.

There’s still no word on the status of outfielder David Lough, who was designated for assignment on Aug. 14. The Orioles haven’t been able to trade him.

Showalter is hoping that Lough clears waivers and is outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk.

The Orioles signed left-hander Mike Belfiore to a Triple-A contract. Belfiore made his major league debut with the club in 2013, making his only appearance and allowing two runs in 1 2/3 innings. He pitched at Double-A Bowie in 2012 and Norfolk the following year.

Belfiore was 5-11 with a 5.60 ERA in 22 starts this season at Triple-A Toledo.

The Pirates reportedly have signed former Orioles outfielder Travis Snider to a minor league contract.