Orioles DFA Former Standout Joey Rickard

The Baltimore Orioles are not heading anywhere fast, as they have started the process of a rebuild. Now, for the next steps of that mission, it turns out they'll be without a player who many once thought would be an everyday starter for the next generation of O's.

Somewhat out of nowhere, Baltimore has DFA'd Joey Rickard and selected the contract of left hander Sean Gilmartin.

Rickard's move isn't all that surprising, nowadays, considering the Orioles' outfield depth and the horrendous season he's having.

The O's outfielder was batting a dismal .203, with two home runs and six RBI. Rickard has struggled all year to get anything going, and the move gives the O's some pitching depth.

Gilmartin is a solid pitcher and is putting together a decent season for himself at Triple-A Norfolk. The southpaw has a record of 0-1 with an ERA of 2.48. He has pitched in 36.1 innings, struck out 40 batters, and opponents are hitting only .216 off of him.

Baltimore ranks last amongst all 30 teams in pitching. As a whole, the Orioles have given up 398 runs and have a team ERA of 5.68.

By sending down a struggling Rickard and adding a quality pitcher in Gilmartin, the O's pitching staff is getting much-needed relief from within their own farm system.