Robbie Ray, Arizona Diamondbacks
2018 fWAR: 1.0
2019 fWAR (so far): 1.4
Lots of strikeouts, lots of walks, and lots of hard contact. That’s normally the story with Robbie Ray, and that seems to be more of the same in 2019. His 30.0% strikeout rate is in line with what he did between 2017-18, but so is his 12.8% walk rate and his 43.5% hard-hit rate allowed.
Since the start of 2017, though, his pitch mix has certainly changed. Take a look to see how his fastball, slider, and curveball usage have all shifted.
Both of those breaking pitches have produced a wRC+ against below 80, but something Ray should probably scratch completely is his sinker. He tossed it just 11 times in 2018 and has already used it 75 times this season. Opposing hitters have posted a 16.7% walk rate, 12.5% strikeout rate, and 256 wRC+ against it.
What’s also interesting is how productive he’s been in Arizona despite some of his peripherals. Ray has posted a 3.32 ERA in 19 home innings, and while his strikeout rate (34.9%) and walk rate (9.6%) are much better than what he’s done on the road (27.9% and 14.2%, respectively), it’s also paired with a 53.3% hard-hit rate allowed.
Thankfully, Ray has limited line drives to a 15.9% clip and is generating ground balls 52.3% of the time.
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