While our recent reportings are negative in terms of injury and the IL status of the team, it's worth reporting some positive in that OF Alvin Conley is set to return to the Portland lineup. The front office indicated that Conley, who has missed over 5 weeks of action due to a sprained ligament, will be activated from the injured list tonight and start in the outfield in Portland's game against the Sluggers in Louisville.
"We're glad to have Conley returning to the lineup" stated manager Mons Raider today in his meeting with the press before the series with Louisville. "We could use his presence in the middle of the order. While we've had a lot of success in winning games, our offense has missed a power threat in the middle since his injury. And with Frampton missing this week, adding Conley in the middle of the lineup will hopefully boost things for us."
Conley had hit 3 homeruns in his first 17 games of the season prior to his injury. He led the team in homeruns a season ago with 39 as well as leading the team with 102 runs batted in.
"I'm excited to be back" stated Conley at today's training session. "It was tough being in the dugout watching the team have success with me not out there. They gave me the option of doing a rehab stint out in Quincy, but I told them I was ready to roll with these guys. And with Frampy being out of the lineup, I felt I needed to join back in here."
Conley will take the roster spot vacated currently by Daniel Frampton's move to the IL. It is expected that when Frampton returns, Portland will send Mauro Herrera back down to Quincy.
