Ray pitches tonight
Injured closer Chris Ray is expected to pitch tonight for the Frederick Keys as he continues the slow business of working his way back from Tommy John ligament reconstruction surgery. Greg Aquino, who is coming back from a hamstring injury, also will begin a rehab assignment at Grove Stadium tonight.
Club officials projected at the time of Ray's surgery that he might be ready to return by August, but abandoned that timetable early this season. He has pitched a few innings in the Gulf Coast League over the past week or so and will continue to be brought along slowly. Dave Trembley has been saying all along that he does not expect Ray to pitch for the Orioles this year,
The plan appears to be to let him build some confidence in his repaired elbow in a low-impact environment, then bring him back at full strength next spring.
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Comments
I love Chris Ray, his attitude and his ability to throw strikes. Hope to see him back next April!
Posted by: Ron | August 20, 2008 8:21 AM
If he's healthy enough to pitch in the minors why would he not be healthy enough to pitch up here, provided he is effective. Does throwing a 90+ mph heater in the minors put less stress on the arm than throwing a 90+ mph heater at Camden Yards?
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Pete's reply: In some ways, it is less stressful at Class-A. You don't want the guy getting all jacked up and overdoing it.
Posted by: Steve | August 20, 2008 9:09 AM