NEW YORK (AP) — The New York Yankees have reacquired outfielder Steve Pearce in a trade with Houston, giving them another right-handed bat on the bench for the stretch drive.

The Yankees sent cash to the last-place Astros for Pearce, who began the season in New York’s farm system before he was traded to Baltimore on June 2. Pearce was cut by the Orioles on July 21 and claimed off waivers by Houston a week later.

Pearce, who can also play first base, batted .254 with eight RBIs and five extra-base hits in 63 at-bats for the Astros.

Minus injured slugger Alex Rodriguez, the AL East-leading Yankees have been vulnerable against left-handed pitching at times.

Do you like this pick-up by the Yankees? Let us know in the comment section below.

(Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)