The New York Yankees have announced a trade with the Houston Astros that will bring right-handed first baseman and outfielder Steve Pearce to the Bronx in exchange for cash considerations. Pearce had originally begun the 2012 season with the Yankees in their Triple-A affiliate, before heading to Houston.

Pearce has appeared in a total of 234 games since his Major League debut in 2007 with the Pirates. He has a career line of .237/.309/.372 with 12 homers, 74 runs batted in and six steals. The righty has hit slightly better than his career numbers this season, posting an average of .254 with a .729 OPS.

In order to make room for Pearce on the roster, New York has designated Brandon Laird for assignment.

Here is the official news from the Yankees' Twitter feed.

BREAKING: The @yankees have acquired OF/1B Steve Pearce from the Astros in exchange for cash considerations.

— New York Yankees (@Yankees) August 27, 2012

The primary reason for the trade: Pearce has a career line of .277/.347/.484 against left-handed pitchers, which have given the club trouble in recent months. Look for him to be a key pinch hitter off the bench in September and possibly in the playoffs.

For more on the Yankees, check out Pinstripe Alley.