masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHOUSTON – While Orioles manager Buck Showalter writes out tonight’s lineup for the series opener against the Astros, he must consider whether to insert Steve Pearce as the designated hitter or use Nelson Cruz in that role and play David Lough in left field.

As I wrote this morning, right-handers are batting .201 against Houston starter Brad Peacock in his major league career, compared to a .270 average for left-handers. However, Pearce is 17-for-50 against right-handers this season, posting a…HOUSTON – While Orioles manager Buck Showalter writes out tonight’s lineup for the series opener against the Astros, he must consider whether to insert Steve Pearce as the designated hitter or use Nelson Cruz in that role and play David Lough in left field.

As I wrote this morning, right-handers are batting .201 against Houston starter Brad Peacock in his major league career, compared to a .270 average for left-handers. However, Pearce is 17-for-50 against right-handers this season, posting a slash line of .340/.377/.580 with three doubles, three home runs and nine RBIs. He’s 4-for-14 with a double and home run vs. southpaws.

Also, take a look at what Pearce has done since re-signing with the Orioles.

Pearce is batting .351/.393/.614 this month, going 20-for-57 with three doubles, four home runs, 11 RBIs and seven runs scored in 19 games. He’s collected a hit in seven of his last eight games and 12 of 14.

The four home runs tie Pearce’s career high.

Coming off the bench, Pearce is 5-for-12 with a home run and four RBIs. Showalter may prefer using him as a late-inning weapon – certainly in National League ballparks without the designated hitter.

That’s no longer an issue at Minute Maid Park. The Astros reside in the American League West.

Pearce smacked a pinch-hit three-run homer Tuesday night in Milwaukee that gave the Orioles a 6-5 lead in the seventh inning, and he singled in the ninth last night.

A nice weapon, indeed, but it’s tough to keep that bat in the rack. And that’s what… I said.