HOUSTON - Steve Pearce gets the start in left field tonight, as the Orioles begin a four-game series against the Astros at Minute Maid Park. He'll bat second, while Manny Machado slides down to the seventh spot. Nelson Cruz is serving as the designated hitter, and Ryan Flaherty is starting at second base. David Lough is the only current Oriole who has faced Astros starter Brad Peacock, going 1-for-2 against him, but he's on the bench.

For the Orioles Nick Markakis RF Steve Pearce LF Adam Jones CF Chris Davis 1B Nelson Cruz DH J.J. Hardy SS Manny Machado 3B Ryan Flaherty 2B Nick Hundley C Ubaldo Jimenez RHP For the Astros Jose Altuve 2B George Springer RF Dexter Fowler CF Jason Castro C Matt Dominguez 3B Chris Carter 1B Alex Presley LF Robbie Grossman DH Jonathan Villar SS Brad Peacock RHP Catcher Matt Wieters will do some light throwing on Friday to test his right elbow for the first time since going on the disabled list. A small group of Orioles took early batting practice today, including Lough, Pearce and Flaherty. Evan Meek tossed a scoreless inning today for Triple-A Norfolk in his first game since the Orioles outrighted him yesterday.