Closer Ray Starts Rehab With Club

BALTIMORE, Aug. 23 -- Reliever Chris Ray returned to the Baltimore Orioles clubhouse Saturday, dressing in front of an unmarked locker, about a year removed from ligament-replacement surgery.

He joined the team only to play catch but will become a clubhouse fixture, working out with the Orioles more regularly the rest of the year.

"I want to see him in the clubhouse," Manager Dave Trembley said, "and I want him to be part of the club."

Ray, 26, will continue rehabilitation assignments, but his progress has been dramatic since the Aug. 15 operation. He said that his arm is "feeling good" but that he still needs to sharpen command of his secondary pitches. He has four one-inning appearances this week.

"I've never been through anything like this before," Ray said. "Didn't realize [it's] not only taxing physically but mentally."

Ray had been the team's closer, saving 49 games the previous two seasons, but Baltimore has found a new closer this year in George Sherrill.

"There's a place on this team for [Ray] next year, and he'll be pitching in some role at the end of the games next year," Trembley said. "I don't know what that is yet, but he has done everything that we have asked him to do, and it's nice to see him here. Real nice."

Albers Won't Be Called Up

Reliever Matt Albers, who decided against surgery in rehabilitating a torn labrum in his right shoulder, will not be among the September call-ups but could be a candidate for the starting rotation when he rejoins Baltimore in spring training, Trembley said. . . .

Adam Jones, on the 15-day disabled list because of a broken left foot, took batting practice with the team.

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