ORIOLES NOTEBOOK
Ray, Bynum, Cabrera Are Progressing
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Saturday, April 12, 2008; Page E06
ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., April 11 -- Injured Baltimore Orioles Chris Ray, Fernando Cabrera and Freddie Bynum made the short trip from Sarasota to join the team during the weekend series against Tampa Bay.
Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz said Cabrera, a reliever who is coming off right elbow surgery, looked strong during a pregame bullpen session that included 35 pitches, mostly fastballs.
"Cabrera was as good as I've seen him," said Kranitz, who will see Cabrera throw again on Sunday. "His delivery looked like it was much improved from what I saw in spring training. His arm strength looks real good."
Meanwhile, the closer Ray, recovering from elbow ligament replacement surgery, has progressed in his throwing program and will start pitching off flat ground early next month with hopes of throwing from a mound in mid-May, though Manager Dave Trembley said it might be a few months until Ray is ready to do so.
Meanwhile, Bynum, a utility player, said he has felt no pain after returning to all baseball activities and will begin playing games in extended spring training on Monday. Bynum, who is recovering from arthroscopic surgery on his right knee, hopes to be ready by next month.
Seeking a Starter
With Thursday's doubleheader, the Orioles must find a starting pitcher to step in for Monday's game against the Toronto Blue Jays, though Trembley refused to name his choice.
Meanwhile, the Orioles optioned utility player Scott Moore to Class AAA Norfolk to make room for right-handed pitcher Jim Johnson. In one minor league appearance, Johnson allowed one run in four innings on April 7. Moore went 1 for 8 with a homer in four games for the Orioles. . . . Jeff Niemann will start against the Orioles on Sunday in place of injured Matt Garza.
UP NEXT Tonight at Rays7:10 p.m. Cabrera (0-0) vs. Hammel (0-1) MASN Tomorrow at Rays1:40 p.m. Burres (1-0) vs. Niemann (0-0) MASN2 UP NEXT Tonight at Rays7:10 p.m. Cabrera (0-0) vs. Hammel (0-1) MASN Tomorrow at Rays1:40 p.m. Burres (1-0) vs. Niemann (0-0) MASN2
