Astros' Nate Pearson: Faces hitters

Pearson (elbow) has progressed to throwing a live batting practice session, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

Pearson developed soreness in his surgically repaired right elbow a month ago and has been brought along slowly since then. That he's now facing hitters suggests a rehab assignment could be right around the corner. Pearson signed with the Astros over the offseason with the intent to be a starting pitcher, but his best path to a role right now is as a reliever.