2 former Mariners finding success on the mound as they return from injuries

Former Mariners starting pitchers, Marco Gonzales and Robbie Ray, have healed from their injuries. Gonzales has pitched in two MLB games for Pittsburgh since his return. Robbie Ray pitched five innings for the Giants against the Dodgers on July 24.

LHP Marco Gonzales, Pittsburgh Pirates

Southpaw Marco Gonzales pitched for six and one-half years for the Seattle Mariners. Gonzales was a key member of the starting rotation from 2018 to 2023. In 2023, his pitching forearm became strained and he finally required surgery in August 2023 to relieve nerve pain. Unfortunately, Marco had only started three games for Pittsburgh before the forearm strain returned in April. He spent 89 days on the IL.

Three months on the IL frustrated Marco. He had felt good about his start with the Pirates; he had a 2.65 ERA and a 1.18 WHIP. He envisioned what he could do when fully healthy, an image that motivated him during the rehabilitation.

On July 12, 2024, Gonzales returned to the mound and started against the Chicago White Sox. He threw 60 pitches in five innings, allowed one run and no walks, and struck out four batters. Gonzales then pitched against the National League-leading Philadelphia Phillies on July 21 at home. He pitched into the fifth inning, allowed two runs and one walk, and struck out four batters. Kyle Schwarber was one of the batters he struck out.

LHP Robbie Ray, San Francisco Giants

2021 Cy Young winner and former Mariner, Robbie Ray, took the mound for the first time as a San Francisco Giant since his last MLB start on March 31, 2023, in a Mariners’ uniform. He has spent the fourteen previous months recovering from Tommy John surgery to repair the UCL and flexor tendon in his left elbow.

In his first win, Ray went five innings with no hits. He had one error, two walks, and eight strikeouts in an 8-3 Giants victory against the Dodgers in Los Angeles. He now has a 1.8 ERA and WHIP of .40. through that one start.

Robbie admits that the months he was out were difficult. He disliked being unable to contribute to the Mariners last season. He credits his wife for supporting him through the recovery because not only was he unable to help her with the kids at times, but sometimes he felt like an additional kid. He persevered, which was a positive learning experience. Robbie joins Webb, Cobb, Snell, and Harrison in the starting rotation.

Best Wishes for Successful Seasons!

I am happy these pitchers can share their skills and talents with the baseball community again. They put in the time and energy to recover and rehab for long periods and deserve every success they earn. Congratulations and best wishes!