Bill Bray Starts Rehab In Dayton

Lefthanded relief specialist Bill Bray is beginning his second rehab assignment Saturday night in Dayton with the Reds' Dayton Dragon affiliate of the Midwest League.

Bray missed most of spring training with a pulled groin.  He went out for a rehab assignment in May but had a setback.  He has been in extended spring training in Goodyear, Arizona, trying to comeback.

The Reds have been without Bray and righthander, Nick Masset the entire season.  Alfredo Simon and J.J. Hoover have been solid for the Reds during the absence of Bray and Masset.

Simon was picked up on waivers from Baltimore before the season started.  He has appeared in 14 games.  Simon allowed a two-run home run to Miami's John Buck in his first outing but has been very good since.  In 13 appearances since then, Simon has worked 20 2/3 innings and allowed just two earned runs for an 0.87 ERA.

Hoover came to the Reds via a trade with the Atlanta Braves.  The Reds gave up Juan Francisco.

Hoover has a 2.87 ERA in 14 games.  He has pitched 3 2/3 scoreless innings in his last three appearances.

Baker hasn't thought about how Bray or Masset's return will shape the roster.


"I will worry about him getting well rather than what he is going to do when he gets here.  We want the Billy Bray that we know.  On a rehab assignment how much time do you have 30 days?  You figure its damn near all-star break.  Maybe you don't know but we could get Masset back about that time.  Then we''ll have two very, very, very fresh arms.  Hopefully in October that will be their July, August.  This may work out as a blessing in disguise without even knowing it.  At least that's how I'm trying to look at it."

"Don't ask me what I'm going to do.  You never have enough pitching.  I'm glad we have the depth that we have.  Think of where we would be if we didn't have it.  You just have to be thankful and grateful for it.  We will worry about what we're going to do with them when we get there."