Blue & Gold Illustrated: America's Foremost Authority on Notre Dame Football
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/76097
IRISH IN THE PROS he said. "I don't know what it is, but some- thing different motivates me every single day. It happens right when I need it. Right now I'm at 225 [pounds] and I feel awesome. My body looks great. I'm in great condition and I'm looking forward to getting back out there. "I've just been doing a lot of rehab. I wasn't against the New York Yankees on June 15-16 ended his time in Washington … He had a 0-2 record, two saves and an ERA of 9.64 in 11 appearances … He told ESPN in June that he was uncertain if he'd pitch again this season. • John Axford (2002‑05), RHP, Milwaukee Brewers: The able to do anything during the offseason pro- gram. The medical staff didn't want me to do too much. So I'm pretty much just sticking to the plan." The plan has reached the final stages. A test in mid-July revealed that his recovering right knee is about 15 percent weaker and less stable compared to his left knee. The Dolphins' medical team wants to see that number lowered to the 8-10 percent range before sending him back to the doctor that performed the corrective surgery back in early December. Gray's surgeon will have the final say. "I'm way far ahead and I'm getting very close," Gray said. He hopes to participate in training camp, which began on July 26. "There's a chance. But again, I don't know," Gray said. "I think what they want me to do is just continue to be patient and keep making progress. As long as I keep making progress, that's all I can ask for." Free Agent: Bounced back from hernia surgery May 1 and was activated by the Washington Nationals on June 8 after missing six weeks … Meltdowns in back-to-back games • Brad Lidge (Played at Notre Dame from 1996‑98), RHP, MLB PLAYER UPDATES Through July 22 6-5 hurler was 3-6 with a 5.08 ERA and 52 strikeouts … He was removed from the closer role after converting just 16 of his first 22 save chances, but could receive an opportunity to reclaim the job once he gets his confidence back while working in lower-pressure situations. • A.J. Pollock, (2007‑10), CF, Arizona Diamondbacks: The Diamondbacks optioned him to Triple-A Reno in May … He was hitting .229 with a homer and four RBI in 20 games with the Diamondbacks … He's hitting .333 with 37 RBI in 62 games in the minors. • Jeff Samardzija (2004‑06), RHP, Chicago Cubs: Lost five of his last nine starts (two no decisions) after winning four of his first six to start the season … His ERA has climbed to 4.57 with 109 strikeouts and 40 walks … For the season, he has a 6-8 record. • Kyle Weiland (2006‑08), RHP, Houston Astros: What was thought to be shoulder bursitis eventually deteriorated to the point he had to undergo surgery May 1 for an infection … He was 0-3 with a 6.62 ERA in three starts … He began rehab May 9 and in mid-July was moved from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list. • David Phelps (2005‑08), RHP, New York Yankees: Stood 1-3 with a 2.78 ERA and 49 strikeouts in 451⁄3 innings over 17 appearances, including three starts, during three separate stints with the Yankees … Returned to the big leagues July 19 and pitched four hitless, scoreless innings with seven strikeouts in two relief outings. • Jeff Manship (2004‑06), RHP, Minnesota Twins: The 27-year-old reliever had a 10.97 ERA and was optioned to Triple-A Rochester in late June. ✦ AUGUST 2012 108