On Tuesday, it was announced that the San Francisco Giants have placed left-handed pitcher Robbie Ray on the 15-day injured list, retroactive to August 26. During the fourth inning of Sunday’s game against the Seattle Mariners, Ray left the game with a hamstring strain. He underwent an MRI on Monday to determine the extent of the injury and will now miss some time.
After Sunday’s game, Ray said he had hoped they would have caught it early and he could start next time, but that is not the case now.
The 2021 AL Cy Young winner has had ups and downs in his first seven starts for the Giants. His first start after the return of Tommy John was outstanding, striking out eight players in five innings. He then allowed four or more runs in two of his next four starts, including an appearance in which he didn’t get past the first inning on Aug. 14.
He recovered well in his next start and seemed to be back on track with nine strikeouts in 6.2 innings before he was injured.
Overall, he had a 4.70 ERA and 12.6 K/9 early in his career in San Francisco before it stalled again.
That’s a big blow for a team fighting for a wild card spot despite its strength in pitching. Two former Cy Young winners and Logan Webb as a top player would have done well in close games.
This setback is also hard for Ray, who has been injured again so soon after more than a year of his career.
The Giants’ corresponding move was to recall right-handed pitcher Landen Roupp from Triple-A.
Roupp has been splitting his time between San Francisco and Sacramento all season, making three different major league appearances, most recently pitching for the Giants on August 23 during a four-game stint.
The 25-year-old made an excellent start to 2024, but was demoted at the end of April after two rocky starts. Since then, he has only made five appearances.
In 15 games this season, Roupp’s ERA is 4.70 and he has a 9.0 K/9 and 4.7 BB/9 in 23 innings. In Triple-A, he has eight appearances, including six starts, with a 3.80 ERA and 12.7 K/9.
Although he has yet to start a major league game, he will be an option for long relief pitches in bullpen games now that Ray is out. The right-hander has already made six multi-inning appearances in his career.
There is no timetable for Ray’s return yet, so San Francisco will have to resort to patchwork with some bullpen games for now.
