Barry, the former West Windsor-Plainsboro High and Rider University standout, is back with the Atlanta Braves after a good month with the team's Triple-A affiliate in Richmond.

"It feels great," Barry said. "After everything, to be in position to be on the 25-man roster again, at least I know I'm back in the mix."

Barry replaced injured starter Mark Redman, who went on the 15-day disabled list, but manager Bobby Cox isn't sure how the newest addition to his pitching staff will be used.

"They told me I'd start off in the bullpen," Barry said. "But I didn't work over the weekend and they haven't said who's going into the rotation yet, so we'll see."

Barry worked as a starter and a reliever in his stint with the Braves last year. When he was left off the 40-man roster at the start of this season, it wasn't a good sign.

"I knew they had a numbers problem and there were some guys they felt they had to protect," he said. "I just went out pitched in the spring and did what I could. What else could I do?"

Barry pitched well enough in spring training and for Richmond (1-0, 3.12 ERA) that he got the call when Redman went down.

Now he'd like to stay a while.

"When I was at Richmond I asked to start so I could work on a few more pitches," Barry said. "I think that will help me either way."

Here's a look at how the rest of our local players are doing in the minor leagues:

Rider's Carl Loadenthal, after a slow start for the Mississippi Braves, the organization's Double-A affiliate, has been red hot.

Loadenthal has hit safely in his last 10 games to raise his average to .288 after he began the season 7-for-42.

During his streak, he is 16-for-38, with two three-hit games and two two-hit games. He's also stolen eight bases.

Jim Hoey, another Rider product -- by way of Hamilton High -- continues to be lights out as the closer for the Bowie Baysox, the Baltimore Orioles' Double-A affiliate.

Hoey, who spent the end of last season with the O's, appears to be on the fast track back to the big leagues, if his early numbers mean anything to the organization.

In eight innings over eight ap pearances this season, Hoey has not allowed a run and has not allowed more than one hit in any appearance. He's also struck out 11 and walked just three.

Former Rider catcher Scott Knazek, the only local product drafted last spring, is waiting for his season to begin with the Orem Owlz, the Los Angeles Angels' Rookie League team. The Owlz get underway June 19.