When the Chicago Cubs acquired Jeff Gray from the Oakland A’s earlier this offseason, he was a presumed member of the 2010 bullpen. But a nasty groin strain has kept him out of action for more than a month, cutting into his chances to land a spot in the bullpen.
Finally, though, he’ll soon be ready to face live hitting. Whether that is in batting practice or in a Spring Training game, however, is unclear.
Relief pitcher Jeff Gray should face live hitting some time by the end of this week, according to Piniella. The former Oakland Athletics pitcher strained a groin two weeks before spring training began on Feb. 17. ESPN Chicago.
Gray, 28, was fairly good in 26 innings last year for the A’s, but that was his first meaningful taste of big league action. Thus, the presumption that he’d automatically be a member of the pen may not be appropriate. Even with Angel Guzman out, Gray is going to have to demonstrate effectiveness before he’ll be handed a spot in the pen.