ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. -- Cumberland's Rocco Baldelli is with the Rays for a few days as the club has frozen his 20-day rehab assignment due to a groin strain.

Baldelli, who disclosed this spring that he is suffering from a medical condition that left him fatigued and particularly susceptible to muscle pulls and strains, is taking a new combination of medications that have helped him greatly.

"It’s been real encouraging," he said.

As part of his rehab in the minors, Baldelli was serving as a DH and pinch-hitter. Later, he hopes to concentrate on getting some outfield play. But the good news is that his career isn’t over, as was feared in the spring.

"Everything’s going well," said Baldelli, now sporting a rather full beard. "We're going to sit down at the end of the week and figure out what's next. I just want to get healthy and get back here and contribute."

For Baldelli, the Rays' magical season to date has been bittersweet. While he's happy for his teammates, he’s naturally disappointed that he hasn’t been a part of it.

"It’s kind of sad," he said. "I've been here a while and we hadn’t had much success when I played. I wish I could be part of this, on the field. But at least I get to appreciate it."

Even with the physical improvements made of late, Baldelli has come to accept that "my body is not going to feel like it did five years ago, or even two years ago. But I feel I can still contribute."