Steve Pearce delighted to join 1st-place Orioles

Surrounded by the two players he secured shortly before the non-waiver trade deadline, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette flashed a proud smile.

Former South Carolina star Steve Pearce was on Duquette’s left side and left-handed starter Wade Miley sat on his right at an introductory news conference this week.

The addition of Miley, a veteran left-handed starter, and Pearce, a solid utility man with long-ball power, just might be the difference in first-place Baltimore’s bid to reach the postseason for the second time in three years.

Miley was obtained in a trade with Seattle and Pearce came from Tampa Bay.

The 33-year-old Pearce played with Baltimore in 2012 and from 2013 through last year.

“Steve helps us in a lot of different areas,” Duquette said. “He can play the infield, he can pinch hit, he can play a couple different outfield positions and he’s a terrific defensive first baseman.”

Pearce left a Rays team that was 20 games under .500. He returns to a place where he’s enjoyed some of his best seasons in the majors.

“We were struggling down there in Florida,” Pearce said. “So to come from worst place to first place is definitely a better situation. I’m excited, especially with the group that’s in there right now. I’ve been playing with those guys forever. So I’m ready to pick up where we left off and pave the way toward the playoffs.”

Pearce was expected to get his first start on Wednesday, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said.