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Robbie Ray 2024 Player Outlook: Reliable Source Of Ks Eyeing Mid-Season Return
11 months agoNewly acquired San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray had just one outing in 2023 before being shut down for the year and undergoing Tommy John surgery. The former Cy Young winner is not expected back until mid-season 2024, leaving us to look back at 2022 to analyze his most recent production. The southpaw went 12-12, posting a respectable 3.71 ERA (4.17 FIP), 1.19 WHIP, 19.4% K-BB%, and 212 K in 189 IP. The strikeouts have always been good (career 28.9% K%), but there were some concerning stats too, such as the shoddy 8.0% BB%, and even that was below his career BB% of 10.0%. Then there was the dreadful 15.5% HR/FB%, which was spot on with his career rate. Stuff+, Location+, and Pitching+ all were 99 or below in 2022 as well. Unless managers have extra roster spots, Ray is not draftable but could be a spot starter in the second half for teams in need of Ks. Oracle Park is one of the more unfriendly HR parks too, so that should help with the 32-year-old's HR/FB% and in turn should help keep his ERA in check. ATC projections have him going 3-3 with a 3.99 ERA, 1.24 WHIP, and 18.6% K-BB% in nine games once he returns.
