There are lofty expectations for the Seattle Mariners this season after ending a 20-year plus postseason drought in 2022. In order to meet those standards, though, they will probably need a healthy Robbie Ray. And that is not something they can currently say they have.
The 2021 American League Cy Young is headed to the 15-day injured list (IL) after being diagnosed with a left flexor strain, per MLB.com. The disappointing news comes after Ray struggled against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. The southpaw could not find home plate, walking five batters and surrendering five runs, three earned, in 3 1/3 innings of work.
If fans were to look on the bright side, they can take solace in knowing that Ray's woes could have been due to his injury and not just inferior stuff. Skeptics, however, know that forearm-related issues can linger for a while. Hopefully, Ray regains his old form as soon as he clears rehab.
The 31-year-old signed a five-year contract worth $115 million with the Mariners in November 2021 after a stellar season with the Toronto Blue Jays. Although he was not quite the best pitcher in the league in 2022, Ray posted a respectable 3.71 ERA with 212 strikeouts- seventh most in MLB. Along with Luis Castillo, he is a stabilizing force at the top of what is a fairly young starting pitching staff.
That being said, Seattle is deep enough to survive a couple weeks without their trusty left-hander. Castillo was nearly unhittable in the team's Opening Day win, and Logan Gilbert and George Kirby already flashed their potential last season. Marco Gonzales is also a solid option near the backend of the rotation.
Everyone moves up for now with Ray gone. The Mariners will prove just how deep their pitching arsenal is.
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