Orioles' Ray Likely to Miss 2008 Season

Orioles closer Chris Ray is expected to miss the 2008 season after having major surgery on his right elbow.

Ray underwent ligament-replacement surgery on Thursday, the team announced before last night's game in Toronto.

"Right now, I think we have to assume he won't be around for 2008," Orioles President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail said. "We will be conservative."

Ray was placed on the 15-day disabled list July 25 with a sprained right elbow. After a period of rest, he resumed throwing this week at the Orioles' minor league complex in Sarasota, Fla., but still felt sore.

A bone spur was judged to be the cause of lingering pain. During surgery to remove it, orthopedist James Andrews discovered damage to the ulnar collateral ligament and repaired that as well.

MacPhail said Andrews spoke with Ray before the surgery and received permission to repair any other damage.

"Everybody thought that was a good idea," MacPhail said.

Manager Dave Trembley said he expects Ray to return in good shape.

"These elbow surgeries today, it's rare when someone doesn't come back," he said.

Trembley said Ray's injury could be the result of a harsh delivery.

"It could lead to that kind of problem because his arm action is so violent," Trembley said.

Trembley said right-hander Danys Baez will take over the closer's role.

· D-RAYS OWNER DERIDES TEAM: Devil Rays principal owner Stuart Sternberg needed just one word to describe his team's record this season.

"Unacceptable," Sternberg said. "I have to accept it because I have no choice. Each person in the organization has to look at themselves in the mirror and say what can they do to contribute to the success of this organization on a daily basis."

The Devil Rays have not won more than 70 games in any season. Tampa Bay has the league's lowest payroll.

"I know we're going to be spending more money," Sternberg said. "There's a large pool of money. We don't say we're going to spend X on major league payroll and Y on signing bonuses. I'm comfortable that we've got the resources, and we're spending and using it in a very wise fashion."

-- From News Services