Yankees swing waiver deal, acquiring Steve Pearce from Astros for cash

It isn’t quite like the waiver deal the Los Angeles Dodgers and Boston Red Sox pulled off a few days ago, but the New York Yankees struck a deal this afternoon with the Houston Astros to acquire 1B/OF Steve Pearce for cash considerations.

It is the second time he has been with the Yankees organization this season, having played for the team’s Triple-A affiliate Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Pearce has made the rounds in 2012. He was originally signed by the Minnesota Twins on 12/15/11 and was released just before the end of Spring Training and latched on with the Yankees two days later. He was purchased by the Baltimore Orioles on June 2 and then was selected off waivers by the Astros on July 28.

Pearce played a total of 49 games at the Major League level this season hitting .254/.333/.396 with 8 doubles, 3 homers and 22 RBI in 158 plate appearances. He’ll provide a right-handed bat off the bench for the Yankees in September. Pearce, 29, hits lefties well with a career splits of 277/.347/.484.

In the corresponding roster move, the Yankees designated Brandon Laird for assignment. Laird, 24, who plays the corner infield positions, spent the entire season with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. He hit 254/.307/.414 with 31 doubles, 15 home runs and 77 RBI in 550 plate appearances.