BASEBALL DAILY REPORT : AROUND THE MAJOR LEAGUES : Doctors Still Unsure of Gray’s Illness

Doctors still are seeking the cause of relief pitcher Jeff Gray’s illness four days after he collapsed in the Boston Red Sox clubhouse.

Arthur Pappas, the Red Sox team doctor, said no diagnosis has been made and results of further tests are needed because “we’re still dealing with slurring of speech and weakness in the (right) arm and leg.”

Pappas said that although Gray has shown improvement at Beth Israel Hospital “we haven’t ruled out anything completely,” including an aneurysm or a stroke as the cause of the seizure.

“Jeff is feeling better, his spirits are outstanding and he’s looking forward to returning,” Pappas said. “So far as when we’ll be able to make any projections as to recovery, I think we’re at least a week and possibly two weeks away.”

Pappas said he had no information on reports that Gray has told teammates that he had a stroke when he became dizzy, his speech slurred and he felt weakness in his right side after a routine workout Tuesday morning.

Pappas said that X-rays and a CAT-scan showed no evidence of a blood clot. However, he added, a slight irregularity in a blood vessel, congenital scarring and an irregular heart beat have been noted. A Magnetic Resonance Imaging test would not be available until Friday.

Gray, 28, who has been put on the 15-day disabled list, appeared in 50 games for the Red Sox this season, mainly as a setup man for closer Jeff Reardon. He has a 2-3 record with one save and a 2.34 earned-run average.

Eric Davis does not want to play again until he is recovered, even if it means the Cincinnati Reds will have to try to make a stretch run without him.

Davis said he wants time to recover from chronic tiredness and lower-back pains that have bothered him in recent weeks. Davis says the problems are a result of the severe kidney injury he suffered during the World Series.

The outfielder asked Reds controlling partner Marge Schott and General Manager Bob Quinn to meet with him before Friday night’s game against the San Francisco Giants.

“It’s going to be a touchy situation when all is said and done and a decision is made,” Davis said. “I’m going in there with an open mind. I’m also going in there with the idea that I’m going to do what’s best for me. . .I can’t go on the way I am now. That’s not helping me or the team, and it’s not going to help me in years to come if we don’t address the problem and take the necessary measures to get me back to 100%.”

Quinn emerged from the meeting and declined to characterize what was said. He said there would be no decision until the front office has had time to review the situation with team doctor Michael Lawhon, who was unavailable for comment Friday.