Notes on Ryan Flaherty and Steve Pearce

KANSAS CITY - Ryan Flaherty has played 174 games at second base, 68 at third, 50 at shortstop, 18 at first and 26 in the outfield over his four seasons in the majors. He's the ultimate utility guy, trusted with the glove at any position, and his responsibilities have grown again following J.J. Hardy's injury.

Hardy went on the disabled list today with a strained left groin. He's gone for at least 15 days, and Flaherty will be called upon as his replacement.

Flaherty is starting at shortstop and batting ninth tonight in the series opener against the Royals. Hardy underwent an MRI today in Baltimore and isn't on the trip.

"It's just next man up," Flaherty said. "It's kind of like last year when Manny (Machado) got hurt. Someone's got to fill the void. This time of the year, it's about winning games. Take it one night at a time."

Flaherty didn't know that Hardy was headed to the disabled list until he boarded the team charter following yesterday's 4-3 12-inning loss to the Twins at Camden Yards.

"I didn't realize it until I looked on the flight and he wasn't on the flight. And someone said he was going on the DL," Flaherty said.

"Obviously, he's a huge part. Definitely one of the leaders of the team. Not just with his play, but just being around he makes everyone better. It's tough to lose anyone of his caliber, for sure."

It's tougher when your team just got swept in four games.

"We took a good punch," Flaherty said. "It was four tough games, but it's a 162-game season. It's a grind and we've got to punch back now."

Steve Pearce is in the visiting clubhouse at Kauffman Stadium, but he isn't in the lineup. He's on the bench with the other two reserves.

The Orioles activated Pearce from the disabled list today after he made it through four injury rehab games without experiencing discomfort in his oblique.

"It feels great to be back," he said. "I've been out a month and I definitely missed being here. I missed being with the guys and I'm glad to be back."

Pearce hasn't batted for the Orioles since July 18.

"I never had one before. This is the first one I've ever had," he said. "From what I've been told, I met every requirement. I was always right on schedule the whole time, so I didn't have any setbacks or anything like that."

The Orioles decided to activate Pearce after he played nine innings yesterday at Double-A Bowie.

"They asked about my health, if I was able to do it, and asked me if I was ready," Pearce said. "I got at-bats in extended. I got at-bats in Double-A and I had some (rookie league) at-bats, so I had about 25 at-bats before I got here. It wasn't like I'm getting thrown straight into the fire.

"Yesterday, the game was over in two hours. I think it was the fastest game I've ever been a part of. I played first base, I played left and right. I did what I was able to do. I did what I felt like I needed to do to get here and feel like I was ready."

The clubhouse has a different look, and not only because the Orioles are in Kansas City. Nolan Reimold is the latest player to be designated for assignment.

"Yeah, there were some new faces around here, but we've still got a lot of guys here," Pearce said. "I'm ready to start this last month, this last push and hopefully everyone gets together, we all jell together and make a good run."

Pearce wants to be with them stride for stride. He struggled to accept his time away from the club while rehabbing his injury.

"It's tough to sit and watch it," he said. "When we got the walk-offs, it was tough to watch. It was awesome to see them win, but I wanted to be there to celebrate. It was hard for me."

Note: Single-A Frederick's Mikey O'Brien was named the Carolina League's Pitcher of the Week after tossing a seven-inning no-hitter against Lynchburg.