Rickard and Lee reinstated from 60-day disabled list (updated)

The World Series is over and it's time for teams to focus on the 40-man roster, which includes returning players to it who were removed due to injury.

The Orioles have reinstated outfielder Joey Rickard and minor league pitcher Chris Lee from the 60-day disabled list, procedural moves that increase the 40-man roster to 34 players. The free agents have been eliminated.

Steve Pearce was an exception because the Orioles placed him on the 60-day disabled list in September.

Rickard hadn't played since July 20 due to his thumb injury, which occurred while chasing a fly ball in right field at Yankee Stadium. He batted .268/.319/.377 with 13 doubles, five home runs and 19 RBIs in 85 games and lost his Rule 5 status, giving him minor league options next season.

Rickard appeared in 51 games (31 starts) in right field, 31 games (27 starts) in left and 13 games (six starts) in center.

Lee, one of the top pitching prospects in the organization, was limited to eight games (seven starts) at Double-A Bowie. He was 5-0 with a 2.98 ERA in 51 1/3 innings and held opponents to a .222 average.

* The Baltimore Orioles Charitable Foundation has announced a donation of $25,000 to the Baton Rouge Area Foundation's Louisiana Flood Relief Fund.

Pitcher Kevin Gausman and other former Louisiana State University baseball players in the majors launched the "Pitch in with Former Tigers" campaign to raise money for the fund. Gausman personally donated $15,000 earlier this year and became actively involved in fundraising efforts which, combined with donation, generated a $31,776 contribution to the fund in September.

"This disaster has done so much damage to homes, businesses and families in the Louisiana area," Gausman said in a press release. "I know this community will respond and rebuild, but I hope everyone can band together to assist those that are most in need right now. I'd like to thank the Orioles for their generous donation and encourage others to aid in the relief efforts in any way possible."

Fans who wish to donate to the Louisiana Flood Relief Fund should visit www.braf.org to make a contribution. The Baton Rouge Area Foundation has collected 84 percent of its $2 million online goal with the proceeds going quickly and directly to nonprofits helping with recovery. Contributions to the fund are tax deductible.

Former LSU and Orioles pitcher Ben McDonald also participated in rescue efforts for flood victims.

Note: Pitcher Logan Ondrusek also is a free agent per the option provision in his contract.

The Orioles have 10 free agents.