Robbie Ray looks sharp in first ST outing for Mariners

There’s been a lot of excitement and impatience since Robbie Ray signed with the Mariners this offseason. Everyone has been waiting to see him pitch, and Ray himself has been chomping at the bit to get out there.

He was able to do just that on March 22nd when he made his Mariners debut against the Cubbies in Spring Training. Things went quite well for Ray. His pitches were on, he was locating well, and he looked like a guy who had been working out and was focused on making 2022 just as good as 2021.

Robbie Ray looked sharp and in great form in his Mariners ST debut

Ray ended up going four innings, surrendering just one hit while walking two. Unfortunately, that hit that he gave up was an HR that squeaked over the wall, giving him a funny-looking stat line of 1 H and 2 ER.

He did strike out 5 and was very efficient throughout his outing. It’s early on to go four innings and was a sign of faith and dependability to see it this early in the Spring. He likely won’t pitch again til Monday or so, and could see the divisional foe Rangers squad, who feature two huge new faces in Seager and Semien.

With the shortened Spring, it’s a fair chance that Ray only makes two more appearances, which would put him in place to start the season opener on the 7th on normal rest.

We’ve now seen both Robbie Ray and Marco Gonzales pitch incredibly well in Spring Training. I understand it’s just one game, and just like when a guy gets shelled, we shouldn’t overreact. However, it’s still a nice sign to see your top two pitchers come out and pitch well in their first appearance of the Spring.

Robbie Ray was everything Mariners fans have been waiting for, and although it was a small sample size, it put good thoughts into everyone’s heads as we get closer to the season.