Orioles release Gentry and recall Wilkerson

SEATTLE - The Orioles have released outfielder Craig Gentry after designating him for assignment over the weekend.

Gentry becomes a free agent and can sign with any team. The Orioles couldn't find a trade partner and removed him from the active roster while recalling outfielder Joey Rickard from Triple-A Norfolk.

Infielder Steve Wilkerson has been recalled from Norfolk after coming off the seven-day minor league disabled list and will join the Orioles in St. Petersburg, Fla., for their weekend series against the Rays.

The expanded roster has grown to 30 players.

Gentry batted .269/.321/.346 in 68 games and was 12-for-30 in his last seven games.

Wilkerson has been on the disabled list this summer with oblique and hamstring injuries and he hasn't played since Aug. 22 with the Tides. He was 4-for-17 in seven games with the Orioles.

The Orioles went from having Jace Peterson as their only utility player to adding Wilkerson and Breyvic Valera in less than a week. All three players could compete for a spot on the opening day roster.

Wilkerson has been groomed as a super utility player dating back to extended spring training while serving his 50-game suspension.

* In recognition of the 40th anniversary of the National Federation of the Blind moving their national headquarters to Baltimore, the Orioles will host National Federation of the Blind Night at Camden Yards on Sept. 18 when they play the Blue Jays 7:05 p.m.

Players and coaches will wear specially designed jerseys with Braille lettering of both "Orioles" and last names, making it the first team in American professional sports history to incorporate Braille lettering into their gameday uniforms.

The jerseys will be autographed, authenticated, and auctioned at www.orioles.com/auctions to benefit the National Federation of the Blind.