DAYTON — Prior to the Dayton Dragons’ 8-1 loss to Bowling Green on Saturday, Cincinnati Reds reliever Bill Bray sat alone on a couch in the clubhouse lounge. He was watching the Reds take on the Detroit Tigers.

This is how Bray has viewed the Reds for most of this season. The reliever has appeared in five games since straining his groin in spring training.

He’s now in Dayton on a rehab assignment. He pitched one inning Saturday, walking and striking out one. He’s scheduled to pitch another inning of relief Monday.

“He was throwing the ball pretty good out there,” Dayton manager Delino DeShields said. “We’ll probably know more about him (today).”

For Bray, it has taken two months to get back to the point where he can pitch again.

Bray injured his groin in spring training. This led to other physical problems.

“First there was the groin,” Bray said. “Then I made some subconscious changes to my mechanics to compensate. By the time I figured out my mechanics, it was too late. I wrenched my back and lost another two weeks.”

Bray was second in the National League last year in appearances. He pitched in 79 games and had a 5-3 record with a 2.98 ERA.

The time off has been frustrating for Bray, who has battled injuries for much of his time with the Reds prior to his big season last year.

“It’s definitely frustrating,” Bray said. “You want to be there and be a part of what’s going on. It’s something I’ve battled my whole career. You just take it one step at a time. You can’t do anything up there hurt.”

What encourages Bray has been the Reds. The team is in first place and boasts one of the better bullpens.

“They’ve been playing phenomenal,” Bray said. “I think they’ve had the best record in the league over the last month and a half. I’ve been watching. It’s been fun to watch and follow them.”

Bray will leave for Louisville after pitching with Dayton on Monday. Until then, he’s enjoying Dragons baseball.

“It’s great,” Bray said. “They pack the house and the stadium is beautiful. The only problem is the drive in with all the construction.”