SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. — Robbie Ray has made the most of his fresh start this spring.
The former Cy Young winner missed his first camp with the Giants — and the first three and a half months of last season — recovering from Tommy John surgery. His 2024 season ended early because of a hamstring injury.
Ray, 33, arrived in Arizona last month healthy and is looking every bit like the pitcher who won a combined 25 games and struck out nearly 500 batters in 2021 and 2022 with the Blue Jays and Mariners, respectively. The lefty delivered 4 1/3 strong innings on Thursday against the Texas Rangers, allowing just three hits and two earned run while striking out eight batters on 65 pitches.
The Giants lost 7-3, snapping their eight-game winning streak. But it was business as usual for Ray, who has been hitting his stride over his last three spring training starts.
Ray, who was acquired last offseason in a trade with the Mariners for Mitch Haniger and Anthony DeSclafani, on Thursday made his longest appearance so far of the Cactus League. He has struck out 17 batters in 9 1/3 innings and allowed just two runs. Ray, who won the AL Cy Young with the Blue Jays in 2021, hadn’t allowed a run this spring until Rangers slugger Adolis García hit a changeup over the wall in left center in the second inning.
“This spring training, he came in looking like his normal self,” manager Bob Melvin said. “I think he’s just happy that he’s who he is right now, he’s pretty driven so it’s to be expected out of him. It’s a pretty good look.”
Ray’s GIants debut was limited to just seven games. He joined the rotation in late July and went 3-2 with a 4.70 ERA and 43 strikeouts in 30 2/3 innings before a hamstring ended his season after his start against the Mariners on August 25.
Ray has bounced back confidently this spring, showing no signs of rust as he gears up for the regular season.
“I think if you’re not trying to get better each and every year, then what are you doing,” Ray said. “Every year, I’m trying to do something and not remain complacent… Even though I had some success in the past, I just want to do something to get better every single year.
I’m a competitor and I’m always trying to put up zeros every single time I’m out there even in spring training… and get ready for the regular season.”
Ray’s return to form is a good sign for the Giants as they try to return to the playoffs for the first time since 2021.
The Giants’ rotation is headlined by star Logan Webb and newly acquired veteran Justin Verlander, who provide a powerful one-two punch. Ray potentially adds another top-tier arm to the mix, giving San Francisco a reliable No. 3 option who can pitch like an ace on any given night.
Peguero making a mark
Joel Peguero is 27, on his fifth organization and has never appeared in a major league game. But the hard-throwing right-hander has rapidly established himself this spring and making a case to join the Giants bullpen at some point this season. Peguero frequently has hit 100-101 mph on the radar gun, emerging as a possible late-inning weapon for San Francisco.
Peguero has not allowed a run in seven spring training appearances. Thursday, however, he allowed an inherited runner to score (Ray’s) when Marcus Semien singled in Nick Ahmed in the fifth inning.
“I think he’s made as much of an impression as anybody in camp,” Melvin said. “You first start watching the bullpens, he’s throwing 101 and he comes out and is doing the same thing in the games and it makes you wonder why this guy hasn’t been in the big leagues at some point in time.
He’s an intriguing guy to have and we’ll see where we go with that decision. At some point in time, I think if he continues to pitch like this, he’s going to be in the big leagues in no time.”
What’s Next
The Giants are scheduled to face new shortstop Willy Adames’ old team, the Milwaukee Brewers, on Friday at American Family Fields of Phoenix, against the Milwaukee Brewers. However, rain is forecast in the region so there is the potential for delays or postponement.