AL East Notes: Rickard out, Blue Jays trade rumors

Orioles outfielder Joey Rickard could be sidelined between four and six weeks as a result of a thumb injury, according to BaltimoreBaseball.com’s Dan Connolly.

The injury won’t require surgery, Connolly adds.

While the Orioles are expected to prioritize starting pitching in advance of the non-waiver trade deadline, the club could seek outfield help with Rickard on the disabled list. Melvin Upton could be an option for Baltimore.

Rickard earned a roster spot after a solid spring and was producing routinely before going down, batting .268/.319/.377.

Baltimore does have some outfield depth but might prefer a stable option to complement Adam Jones and Mark Trumbo.

More from around the AL East:

• Boston and Clay Buchholz appear to be in a holding pattern, which might force the Red Sox to consider trading him.

• While the Dodgers appeared to be interested in Evan Longoria, they probably are more focused on Tampa Bay’s pitching staff.

• Starlin Castro hasn’t really proven to be an upgrade for the Yankees at second base.

• Toronto has been scouting CC Sabathia and Andrew Cashner as the trade deadline approaches.

• Baltimore scouted Padres starter Andrew Cashner on Thursday.

Standings ‘as of writing’:

Orioles 55-40 —GB

Red Sox 54-40 0.5 GB

Blue Jays 54-43 2.0 GB

Yankees 49-47 6.5 GB

Rays 38-57 17.0 GB