Robert

Ramsay

Ramsay was added to Single-A Lake Elsinore’s roster earlier this week and was expected to stay there a while, but the Padres needed him in Triple-A after calling up three of Portland’s pitchers.

Ramsay, who missed the 2002 season with a brain tumor, hasn’t regained his velocity after chemotherapy and surgery. He’s someone to root for, but it’s unlikely that he’ll pitch in the majors in 2004.

Ramsay is someone to root for, but there doesn’t seem to be much chance of him making a successful comeback after surgery to remove a brain tumor. “He’s still throwing in the high 70s and low 80s after two months and we didn’t feel that he’d be able to get back to the velocity he needed to be competitive,” said Doc Rodgers, director of minor league operations.

Ramsay will begin the season in minors. He’s ineligible to pitch for the Padres until May.

Ramsay underwent his most recent chemotherapy treatment just three days ago. He’s going to be allowed to work without restrictions this spring, though he’ll always have to wear a batting helmet while on the field. The left-hander is likely to open the season at Triple-A Portland.