Chris

Gruler

Gruler, coming off shoulder surgery, had been shut down for a couple of weeks. It was not related to the shoulder; he had a strained oblique muscle.

Gruler, who had shoulder problems after being drafted, will be examined by Reds team physician Tim Kremchek in Cincinnati on Monday. ''I have normal soreness,’' Gruler said. ''But obviously something’s wrong. I threw 96-97 in high school. I’m throwing 87-91 now.’'

Gruler is expected to miss 12-18 months.

Gruler, a 2002 first-round pick, had tears in his labrum and his rotator cuff repaired.

He had major surgery a year ago and has pitched in just 22 games in four years.

He has a 4.05 ERA in 13 1/3 innings since returning last month. Gruler was the third overall pick in the 2002 draft. He’s currently a long shot to ever reach the majors.

Gruler, a 2002 first-round pick, was diagnosed with tears in his labrum and rotator cuff last April. He’ll probably finish this season at Single-A Dayton.