Baltimore Orioles outfielder Steve Pearce, who has not played since July 18 because of an oblique injury, will begin a rehab assignment with the Gulf Coast League Orioles on Thursday, according to MASN. Pearce had his recovery scaled back after he felt discomfort while taking dry swings earlier this week, but manager Buck Showalter said that he anticipates a relatively short stay in the minor leagues. Pearce was hit in the back during batting practice Wednesday. "If he could get through a couple of days of [live pitching], that could come pretty quick," Showalter told the Baltimore Sun. "Let's see how he recovers from the HBP." Pearce had a breakout season in 2014, when he hit .297/.373/.556 with 21 homers in 102 games, but was relegated to a part-time role after struggling in April. He will likely resume his role off the bench after returning to the big club.