Bill

Bray

Guardado pitched yesterday, but it was his only appearance of the week. Perhaps he’s dealing with some forearm tendinitis again. Bray has given up five runs -- two earned -- in nine innings since joining the Nationals. His fantasy value will remain pretty limited unless Guardado lands on the DL at some point.

This could have gone a lot easier for Washington if manager Frank Robinson had only turned to Bray earlier in the game. The left-hander has allowed one hit in 5 1/3 scoreless innings since being called up.

Bray, a 2004 first-round pick, didn’t have a very impressive ERA in Triple-A after giving up 14 runs in 31 2/3 innings. However, he allowed just 26 hits, walked nine and struck out 45. He might be ready to be a useful reliever for the Nationals.

Bray is currently receiving treatment for a sore groin muscle. While he is restricted from full workouts, he can long toss up to 150 feet. “I should be back by the weekend,” said Bray. “It happened on the mound during my second bullpen. They’re being cautious and don’t want it to get worse. I feel good.” Bray should have plenty of time to get ready for the new season.

Bray was briefly shut down last week after feeling linger tightness in his groin while throwing batting practice, but his recovery is back on track. The 28-year-old left-hander is scheduled to throw another bullpen session Friday and still thinks he has enough time to get ready for Opening Day.

Bray was placed on the disabled list last week after aggravating a left groin injury. It’s not known how long he’ll spend in the minors, but the Reds don’t appear inclined to rush him back.

“Good, really good,” is how Reds general manager Walt Jocketty described the workout to reporters. Bray has been slowed for the past few weeks by a groin injury but still has a chance of being ready for Opening Day.

Bray apparently aggravated a groin injury originally suffered during spring training. The 28-year-old southpaw has allowed four runs over just 2 2/3 innings this season, including getting roughed up for three runs over one inning against the Cardinals last Wednesday. The timeline for his return isn’t yet known, but he won’t be eligible to return until the first week of May.

Bray has been sidelined since aggravating a left groin injury last month. There’s no timetable for his return, but he’s likely getting close to going out on an official minor league rehab assignment.

The damage came on four hits and a walk. It was his third appearance in four days, so perhaps it was a case of “too much too soon” for a reliever who spent most of March rehabbing from a groin ailment. With the Reds’ final Cactus League game scheduled for Monday, Bray’s next opportunity to right the ship will come during the regular season.