Call to the pen
Fansided

Seattle Mariners: Robbie Ray holds unique distinction for three teams

By David Hill

Sep 9, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) reacts after surrendering a two-run home run to Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (not pictured) during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) reacts after surrendering a two-run home run to Atlanta Braves shortstop Dansby Swanson (not pictured) during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

Robbie Ray reached another milestone on Wednesday. When he struck out Cristian Pache for the first out in the bottom of the fifth, the Seattle Mariners pitcher reached the 200 strikeout plateau once again. It was the fifth time that he struck out at least 200 batters in his career, and a mark he has reached in each of the past three full major league seasons.

That 200th strikeout also gave Ray an interesting place in baseball, at least for the time being. He is the last pitcher to record a 200 strikeout season with three different franchises, having done so with the Diamondbacks (2019), Blue Jays (2021), and Mariners (2022).

Robbie Ray adds to unique place with 200th strikeout for Seattle Mariners

His place in those teams’ history may not last much longer. Zac Gallen leads the Diamondbacks with 180 strikeouts but may not have enough starts left to get to 200. However, Kevin Gausman has 194 strikeouts entering Friday and could become the latest pitcher in team history to reach that threshold in his next start.

Ray has had a strong first season in Seattle. He is living up to the five year, $115 million contract that he signed to be the Mariners’ ace, posting a 3.60 ERA and a 1.159 WHiP in his 177.1 innings, striking out 201 batters with 57 walks.

At the time, that contract was considered a risk. Ray had been excellent in 2021, but was also coming off of a 2020 campaign where he posted a 6.62 ERA and a 1.897WHiP in his 51.2 innings, leading the majors with 45 walks. It was fair to wonder if he would be able to continue the progress he displayed in Toronto.

So far, he has done just that. Ray has stabilized the Mariners’ rotation and has been a key part in bringing them to the cusp of the postseason. In the process, he has found a way to make his mark for three different franchises.

Mariners resiliency to be tested. dark. Next

Robbie Ray recorded his 200th strikeout for the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday. In the process, he became the last pitcher with 200 strikeouts for three different teams.

Home/Seattle Mariners