TIFTON — A year after getting to pitch in the Major Leagues with the St. Louis Cardinals, Ocilla native Dennis Dove is back in the club’s Minor League camp this spring.

After spending time with St. Louis, Dove was sent back to the Cardinals’ Class AAA affiliate, Memphis. A short while later, Dove injured his shoulder and missed the remainder of the 2007 season.

Not sure about his arm, St. Louis took Dove off of the 40-man Major League roster in November. That meant Dove recently reported to the St. Louis Minor League spring training camp.

Even though his injury was a setback, Dove is looking to get back up into the big leagues.

“They want to make sure the shoulder is all right, but I am ready to roll,” said Dove in a recent interview.

It appears Dove will begin the 2008 season back in Class AAA with the Redbirds of Memphis.

No matter where he begins, the former Irwin County Indian is ready to get back on the mound.

“I am just ready to get going again,” said Dove.

And if it is in Memphis, Dove is still aware he is only one step away from being back in St. Louis.

“You never know when they will put me up,” Dove said.

“I just have to focus on what I have to do and work hard.”