Robbie Ray strikes out six in win over Athletics

Ray was brilliant against the Angels on Saturday, holding them scoreless over six innings on his way to a win. He scattered six hits and two walks, tossing 54 of 80 pitches for strikes to collect five strikeouts. It was an excellent showcase for the 34-year-old left-hander, who could find himself on the move by the August 3 trade deadline. He’ll take a 3.16 ERA, 1.31 WHIP, and a 101/56 K/BB ratio across 116 2/3 innings into a start against the Padres in San Diego on Thursday.

Ray struck out six. He gave up two unearned runs in a fourth inning that started with a Casey Schmitt error, and he allowed back-to-back singles to start the fifth before being pulled, which eventually led to the one earned run. It’s the first time since May 31 that Ray failed to complete five innings. He remains 8-6 with a 3.33 ERA, and he has a favorable matchup next weekend at home against the Angels.

Ray, who will be a free agent after the season, has a 3.38 ERA in 18 starts with the Giants this year, though he has walked 52 batters in 106 2/3 innings pitched. Rogers believes Ray is “the more important player” available between Ray and Luis Arraez, implying Ray would get the Giants a better return. It certainly would make little sense for the Giants to hold on to Ray barring an extension. The 34-year-old could be the best starter available at the deadline if the Tigers opt to keep Tarik Skubal.

Webb was a member of the NL All-Star team, but he did not pitch in the game on Tuesday. That will enable him to pitch over the weekend once regular-season games begin again. Tyler Mahle and Trevor McDonald will then follow on Monday and Tuesday against the Royals.

Ray owes Dylan Smith dinner after this one; he walked all three batters he faced to start the sixth inning, but Smith was able to strand the bases loaded and preserve the tie after taking over. Ray struck out four and walked six in all. Just 53 of his 100 pitches were strikes. It’s Ray’s sixth career start with six walks and second of this year. He’s now tied with Bubba Chandler for the most walks in the majors at 52. He topped the NL and finished fourth in the majors with 73 last year.

Ray served up a three-run homer to Cole Carrigg in the first inning. He then settled in nicely, tossing five more shutout frames to end his day with a quality start and in line for a win. He struck out four. The 34-year-old left-hander will take a 3.45 ERA, 1.23 WHIP, and an 86/46 K/BB ratio across 101 2/3 innings into a start against the Rockies in San Francisco on Thursday.

14 hard-hit balls with just two strikeouts would typically make for a miserable day on the mound, but Robbie Ray channeled Kirk Reuter and made it work today. Most of the hardest contact against him came in the form of grounders, and he got a bunch of routine flies. He ended up allowing just four hits: three singles and a double. This makes four really strong outings in the six starts since Ray started turning to a sinker. He threw it a season-high 38 percent of the time today, and while he gave up all four hits on the pitch, it’s helping him turn in some of the longest outings of his career of late. He’ll probably go to it even more in Coors Field next weekend.

Tuesday’s game was suspended with the Giants up 3-2 after 1 1/2 innings. Ray had been scheduled to start Wednesday’s regular scheduled game, but the Giants had him come into this one in the bottom of the second for what was technically his fifth career relief appearance. It turned into maybe his best outing of the year; it’s the third time this season he’s gone without allowing a run, and his eight strikeouts were a season high. Ray will take a 5-6 record and a 4.07 ERA into his next start Tuesday against the Athletics.

Olney adds that Luis Arraez and Robbie Ray are also obvious trade candidates. All indications are that Logan Webb is one of the few untouchables for San Francisco as they pivot towards more of a long-term build. The Giants sit at 29–43, nine games out of a playoff spot. Nothing appears imminent, but barring a dramatic turnaround, San Francisco is shaping up to be a seller ahead of the trade deadline in early August.

Ray struck out three and didn’t walk anyone, increasing his ERA to 4.42. It was a tough matchup against the offense that entered the day ranked third in runs per game this season. The veteran left-hander is a strong candidate to be shopped at this summer’s trade deadline. He has another difficult test next time out with a road start in Atlanta.