Positive news on Pearce MRI

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

August 30, 2014, 10:41am

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I'm told that the MRI on Steve Pearce this morning didn't reveal an injury to his oblique or intercostal. The original diagnosis of a strained right abdominal muscle stands after a long review.

The Orioles won't protest it.

Pearce is considered day-to-day for now. Manager Buck Showalter will provide more information later today when he meets with reporters, but the news appears to be favorable.

The Orioles already lost catcher Matt Wieters and third baseman Manny Machado to season-ending surgeries. They didn't need another serious injury as they try to wrap up the American League East.

Speaking of which, the Yankees are losing to the Blue Jays 2-0 in the sixth inning. The Orioles hold a seven-game lead in the division.

Pearce left last night's game after three innings with the abdominal strain. Chris Davis moved to first base and Jimmy Paredes made his Orioles debut at third.

We'll find out later whether Paredes remains at third or Ryan Flaherty makes his first start since Aug. 16.

Pearce told reporters that he began to feel discomfort a few days ago and it resurfaced last night as he swung the bat in the first inning.

Pearce is batting .289/.354/.532 with 21 doubles, a career-high 16 home runs and 37 RBIs in 85 games. His 11-game hitting streak ended last night after one at-bat.