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Pitcher Matt Albers, who elected to skip surgery and instead is rehabbing the labrum tear in his right shoulder, will stay on a throwing program. But the Orioles have no plans to return him to their active roster in September.

I asked manager Dave Trembley if he's projecting a role for Albers next season, or if he'll let it all play out in spring training. Trembley said that Albers is a candidate for the rotation, a role that suits him better because he'd know when he was pitching and could get into a routine between starts that should help his shoulder.

"He was very, very valuable to us out of the bullpen," Trembley said. "I think you've seen over the last whatever it's been, you lose him and then you lose (George) Sherrill, and what it's done to us in the bullpen. But I would think it might do him better and us better for him to start and keep him on a routine based on his history with the shoulder.

"That would be another thing that will be discussed, I'm sure, but that's the opinion I'm going to give."

Injured relievers Chris Ray and Greg Aquino are scheduled to throw an inning for Single-A Delmarva tomorrow in Hagerstown. They'll also throw an inning Tuesday at Double-A Bowie.

Ray also is slated to throw another inning with Bowie on Thursday, and one inning with Aberdeen next Saturday and on Sept. 1.

Ray will work out with the Orioles on the days that he's not pitching and the team is home. Trembley loves having him around the ballpark and wants him to feel like he's part of the club.

"I think it's just great that he's here," Trembley said. "For me, this is a tremendous accomplishment. He had surgery Aug. 15 last year, and in less than a year, this guy is pitching in games. This guy's work ethic has been off the charts. He can come here anytime he wants. He's done everything we've asked him to do, and it's nice to see him here."

Trembley doesn't expect Ray to play winter ball. But he fully expects the right-hander to have a role on the club in 2009, whatever that might be.

"There's a place for him on this team next year," Trembley said.

I spoke with Ray earlier today and he said that his arm feels "really good."

"I'm still working on location and control," he said. "I've always heard that's one of the last things to come, your arm strength and your control."

Ray wants to pitch again this season, but not if his control and arm strength aren't 100 percent. His agent has spoken to team president Andy MacPhail about the possibility of a return.

Ray is throwing all of his pitches - fastball, slider, splitter.

Adam Jones was cleared to join a batting practice group today. He's finally hitting outdoors, which should make him very happy. He's getting antsy.

It should also make Trembley very happy, since Jones is driving him nuts.

"One of us is going to end up in a strait jacket," Trembley joked yesterday.