| Robbie Ray | |
|---|---|
 Ray with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016 | |
| San Francisco Giants – No. 23 | |
| Starting pitcher | |
| Born: October 1, 1991 Brentwood, Tennessee | |
Bats: Left Throws: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 6, 2014, for the Detroit Tigers | |
| MLB statistics (through 2023 season) | |
| Win–loss record | 74–71 |
| Earned run average | 3.96 |
| Strikeouts | 1,505 |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
Robert Glenn Ray (born October 1, 1991) is an American professional baseball pitcher for the San Francisco Giants of Major League Baseball (MLB). He previously played in MLB for the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Ray won the American League (AL) Cy Young Award with the Blue Jays in 2021.
Early life
editRobert Glenn Ray was born October 1, 1991, in Brentwood, Tennessee,[1] to Lori and Robert Ray.[2]
Ray originally planned to play college baseball for the Vanderbilt Commodores before changing his mind and committing to the Arkansas Razorbacks.[3]
Professional career
editDraft and minor leagues (2010–2013)
editThe Washington Nationals of Major League Baseball (MLB) selected Ray in the 12th round, 356th overall, of the 2010 MLB draft.[4] He agreed to terms with the Nationals on August 14, joining the organization on a $799,000 signing bonus. Because he signed so late in the season, Ray had limited time to play in the minor leagues in 2010.[5] He made one appearance that season, striking out two batters in one inning for the Vermont Lake Monsters of the New York–Penn League.[6] After spending the first five weeks of the 2011 season in Florida for extended spring training, Ray made his first professional baseball start on May 9, 2011, for the Single-A Hagerstown Suns of rhe South Atlantic League. He allowed one hit and did not walk a batter in five scoreless innings against the Delmarva Shorebirds.[7]
- 2011 Hagerstown Suns
- 2012 Potomac Nationals
- 2013 Potomac Nationals
- 2013 Harrisburg Senators
Detroit Tigers (2014)
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On December 3, 2013, the Nationals traded Ray, pitcher Ian Krol, and infielder/outfielder Steve Lombardozzi Jr. to the Detroit Tigers for veteran pitcher Doug Fister, a move that was part of general manager Dave Dombrowski's larger plan to cut the Tigers' payroll and invest in pitching prospects.[8]
- 2014
- 2014 Arizona Fall League
Arizona Diamondbacks (2015–2020)
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- 2015
- 2016
- 2017
- 2018
- 2019
- 2020
Prior to the 2020 season, the Diamondbacks agreed to terms with Ray, signing him to a one-year, $9.43 million contract.[9] When the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the 2020 MLB season, Ray remained in Arizona to maintain his conditioning,[10] throwing off a mound at Salt River Fields twice a week.[11] On August 16, Ray recorded his 1,000th career strikeout, against Jorge Mateo of the San Diego Padres.[12]
Toronto Blue Jays (2020–2021)
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On September 1, 2020, the Diamondbacks traded Ray to the Toronto Blue Jays for pitcher Travis Bergen.[13]
- 2020
- 2021
Seattle Mariners (2022–2023)
edit- 2022
- 2023
Ray struggled with his pitch command in his 2023 season debut, allowing five runs (three earned) on four hits and five walks in 3+1⁄3 innings against the Cleveland Guardians. The next day, he was placed on the 15-day injured list with a Grade 1 flexor strain in his pitching elbow.[14][15]
San Francisco Giants (2024–present)
editOn January 5, 2023, the Mariners traded Ray to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for outfielder Mitch Haniger, pitcher Anthony DeSclafani, and cash considerations.[16] The Giants viewed Ray as a complimentary piece to Logan Webb, their ace.[17]
Pitching style
editRay primarily relies on two pitches: a four-seam fastball and a slider. He occasionally utilizes a two-seam fastball, a changeup, and a curveball as well.[18]
Career highlights
editAwards
edit| Name of award | Time(s) | Date(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| All-MLB First Team | 1 | 2021 | TK |
| AL Cy Young Award | 1 | 2021 | TK |
| MLB Players Choice AL Outstanding Pitcher | 1 | 2021 | TK |
| NL All-Star | 1 | 2017 | TK |
| Notes: Per Baseball-Reference.com and listed references. | |||
Statistical highlights
edit| Category | Time(s) | Date(s) |
|---|---|---|
| Pitching | ||
| Earned run average | 1 | 2021 |
| Games started | 1 | 2021 |
| Innings pitched (IP) | 1 | 2021 |
| Strikeouts | 1 | 2021 |
| Strikeouts per nine innings pitched (K/9) | 1 | 2017 |
| Walks plus hits per inning pitched (WHIP) | 1 | 2021 |
| Wins Above Replacement | 1 | 2021 |
| Notes: Per Baseball-Reference.com. Through 2023 season. Awarded for play in National League from 2015 to 2020, and for play in American League from 2020 to present. Bold – led both leagues. | ||
Personal life
editRay met his wife, Taylor Pasma, at a birthday party in 2012, and they married during the 2014–15 MLB offseason.[19][20] They have three children together: two sons and a daughter.[1]
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "Robbie Ray Stats, Fantasy & News". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Gilfillan, Kelly (April 18, 2010). "BHS pitcher Robbie Ray signs with Arkansas". The News. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Cirillo, Chip (May 7, 2010). "District 11-AAA looks like an SEC farm team". The Tennessean. p. C5. Retrieved January 24, 2024 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ Murphy, Michael (July 9, 2017). "Brentwood grad, Diamondbacks' Robbie Ray to play in first MLB All-Star game". The Tennessean. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Stuart, Carol (August 18, 2010). "BHS pitcher Ray signs pro contract". Brentwood Home Page. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ "Ray Earns Pitcher of the Week Honors". OurSports Central. Hagerstown Suns. May 16, 2011. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Sheinin, Dave (May 10, 2011). "A dazzling debut for Hagerstown's Robbie Ray". The Washington Post. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ Beck, Jason. "Tigers look to future, deal Fister to Nationals". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Archived from the original on December 6, 2013. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
- ^ Layman, Matt (January 10, 2020). "D-backs reportedly sign Robbie Ray to 1-year deal, avoid arbitration". Arizona Sports. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Buchanan, Zach (July 6, 2020). "'I need to pitch this year': A pandemic sits between Robbie Ray and free agency". The Athletic. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Gilbert, Steve (July 6, 2020). "Ray impresses with 'max effort,' ready to go". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Gilbert, Steve (August 16, 2020). "Escobar, Ray break out as D-backs sweep". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Matheson, Keegan (September 1, 2020). "Toronto acquires Ray, Villar, Stripling". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ Kramer, Daniel (April 1, 2023). "Mariners pay for walks, errors vs. relentless Guardians". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ Divish, Ryan (April 1, 2023). "Mariners lefty Robbie Ray placed on 15-day IL after first start of season". The Seattle Times. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ Guardado, Maria (January 5, 2024). "Giants acquire Robbie Ray; Haniger, DeSclafani to Seattle". MLB.com. MLB Advanced Media. Retrieved January 5, 2024.
- ^ Baggarly, Andrew (January 5, 2024). "Giants' trade for Robbie Ray looks smart – but it has to be the beginning, not the end". The Athletic. Retrieved January 18, 2024.
- ^ Ranieri, Benjamin (August 5, 2022). "Breaking Down Mariners LHP Robbie Ray With Bill Hezel of Driveline Baseball". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved January 6, 2024.
- ^ Buchanan, Zach (August 15, 2015). "Trades, movement hard on baseball families". The Arizona Republic. Retrieved January 23, 2024.
- ^ Padilla, Lenny (January 12, 2014). "Why Detroit Tigers prospect Robbie Ray, key player in Doug Fister trade, may put his roots in Grand Rapids". The Grand Rapids Press. Retrieved January 23, 2024.