Astros recall Paredes from Triple-A Oklahoma City

BALTIMORE -- The Astros recalled outfielder Jimmy Paredes from Triple-A Oklahoma City on Thursday and plugged him right into the starting lineup at second base in the series finale against the Orioles.

Paredes went 1-for-4 at the plate and made two nice defensive plays to take hits away from J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis in the Astros' 6-3 loss at Camden Yards.

The Astros had an open roster spot following Wednesday's trades that sent pitcher Bud Norris to the Orioles and outfielder Justin Maxwell to the Royals. Outfielder L.J. Hoes, who was acquired in Norris deal, is on the 25-man roster.

This is the third stint in the Major Leagues for the switch-hitting Paredes, who was hitting .319 with 15 doubles, seven homers, 29 RBIs and 12 stolen bases, along with a .504 slugging percentage for the RedHawks. He hit .359 in his last 10 games.

"Jimmy's a versatile guy and he gives us the opportunity to play a few positions," Astros manager Bo Porter said. "He can play the outfield, but with [Jose] Altuve nursing that quad, I decided to give him a day. The objective was to run as many left-handed batters as we can at Bud. That's why you see all the lefties and switch-hitters."

Paredes has struggled as a Major Leaguer, hitting .233 with three homers and 29 RBIs with the Astros over the last three seasons. He's hitting .178 with one home run and eight RBIs in 101 at-bats this year with Houston.