BALTIMORE -- The Orioles' outfield took another hit Friday when a right thumb ligament injury sent Joey Rickard to the 15-day disabled list and will cost him 4-6 weeks, according to manager Buck Showalter. The 25-year-old Rickard had an MRI exam Friday on his thumb, which he injured during Wednesday's game against the Yankees.
Showalter said Rickard won't need surgery on his thumb.
"Joey's been a big contributor for us and will be again," Showalter said. "It'll come at a time of need. It will be a nice September addition."
The O's recalled Triple-A Norfolk outfielder Dariel Álvarez to replace Rickard. Alvarez is hitting .280 with four home runs and 40 RBIs in 93 games with the Tides this season. The 27-year-old has played in 13 career big league games, all with Baltimore.
Rickard is the second Orioles outfielder placed on the DL this week. Hyun Soo Kim landed there on Tuesday, though his DL stint is retroactive to July 11. With Kim and Rickard out, recently called up outfielder Julio Borbon started in left field Friday.
"It just opens an opportunity for Borbon," Showalter said of losing Rickard for an extended period. "It opens up an opportunity for Dariel Alvarez."
Rickard, a Rule 5 Draft pick, has played in 85 games with the Orioles this season, hitting .268 with five homers, 19 RBIs and 32 runs.
Worth noting
The Orioles got a boost Friday with five-time All-Star Adam Jones (back) returning to the lineup.
Jones missed Thursday's series finale in New York with back spasms, but he returned to the leadoff spot and his spot in center field for the opener against the Indians.
"I'm feeling good," Jones said. "Good to be back home."
Catcher Matt Wieters (foot) remained out of the lineup Friday, but he's progressing from the injury he sustained after fouling a ball off his foot Monday.
"He could catch tonight if we had to," Showalter said. "He's still sore there. We will see. Hopefully getting real close, otherwise we would've done something if he couldn't catch it all."