By Craig Heist
 
After he underwent Tommy John surgery Aug. 17, 2007, the Orioles had all but written off closer Chris Ray's return to the mound during the 2008 season.

A year removed from Tommy John surgery, Chris Ray has found his way back to the mound sooner than many predicted. (Mitch Stringer/PressBox)

Ray's recovery has gone so well that over the last two weeks, he has been able pitch in a total of eight rehab appearances between the Gulf Coast League, Frederick, Aberdeen and Delmarva.

After losing B.J. Ryan to free agency, the Orioles handed the closer's role to Ray in 2006, and he responded by saving 33 games with an ERA of 2.73. The 2007 season didn't go as well as his production fell off to 16 saves and an ERA of 4.43. Ray is happy to be on the mend now.

"I feel real good," Ray said. "My arm feels good. I am just happy to be out there and able to compete again."

The time away from the game and the intensive rehab were eye-opening experiences for the 26-year-old right-hander. 

"It's been long," Ray said. "I have never been through anything like that, and I didn't realize just how difficult it would be -- not only taxing physically and mentally. But you have to keep yourself up and take every step like it's a new challenge."

From all reports, Ray has been throwing the ball well and continues to impress as he attempts to get his velocity back to where it needs to be.

"It's getting there," he said. "Right now I'm in the low 90s, but it feels good even though I really don't think I have let it go yet."

Manager Dave Trembley has made it clear he prefers that Ray does not pitch in the big leagues in 2008.   

"I don't need to see him," Trembley said. "I know who he is and what he is and how he's thrown, what kind of guy he is and what kind of stuff he's got. This is a tremendous credit to Chris Ray and what he's done and how hard he's worked to get himself where he's at. He doesn't have to prove anything to me." 

What Ray has proven to his manager is that his work ethic has been quite strong.

"For me, this is a tremendous accomplishment," Trembley said. "In less than a year (after surgery), this guy has been pitching in games. This guy's work ethic has been off the charts. I told him that he can come here any time he wants."

Ray said he appreciates Trembley's words.

"I missed these guys after playing with them for a few years," he said. "To come back here, and being able to talk to them, it's exciting. When you're down in Sarasota for six months, it makes you appreciate what you have here, that's for sure."

With the minor league season over, Ray says getting his elbow into game shape would require adding him to the roster, something that doesn't appear likely.

"Well, as far as my arm, it feels good but I still have some work to do on my control and my secondary pitches," he said. "I could go out there but I am not sure I would get the results I was looking for."
 
PITCHING WOES CONTINUE

The offense continues to score runs but pitching is costing the Orioles games.

In getting swept by the Tampa Bay Rays last weekend and dropping the first game in Boston Monday, Orioles pitchers walked a total of 35 batters in four games. 

"I think it boils down to just throwing the fastball over the plate," Trembley said. "I'd rather have the fastball thrown over the plate and have people hit it than walk four guys and hit four guys and give runs away like that. People need to know what's going on. I am not real pleased as punch to sit there and watch 180 pitches every night."

Issue 3.36: September 4, 2008