Rays trade Steve Pearce to Orioles

The Rays have traded utility man Steve Pearce back to Baltimore in exchange for catching prospect Jonah Heim.

The Rays will send utility man Steve Pearce to the Orioles in exchange for catching prospect Jonah Heim, the clubs announced Monday.

Pearce, 33, began his career in Pittsburgh before spending time with the Astros and Yankees. He was claimed off waivers by the Orioles in 2012 and spent parts of four seasons with the club, hitting .258. He was released after the 2015 season and joined the Rays on a one-year, $4.8 million deal.

In Tampa this season, Pearce has hit .309 with 10 home runs and 29 RBIs.

He will join a Baltimore club that leads the American League East by 1/2 a game over the Blue Jays.

– Kenny Ducey