Seattle Mariners’ left-handed pitcher, Robbie Ray, is set to miss the remainder of the season after it was announced that he would undergo surgery to repair the flexor tendon in his pitching elbow. Ray, who is in the second season of a $115 million, five-year contract, sustained the injury in his season debut against Cleveland on March 31, where he threw 91 pitches over 3⅓ innings and walked five.
During the game, Ray felt some tightness in his elbow, but did not think much of it, assuming it was due to the cold weather. However, his arm started to tighten up, and it was later discovered that he had a serious injury to his flexor tendon.
Ray’s Previous Record
Ray, who is 31 years old, has been remarkably durable for most of his career, having made at least 28 starts five times since 2016, including the 2021 season with Toronto when he won the AL Cy Young Award. He has a record of 74-71 with a 3.96 ERA in his ten seasons with Detroit, Arizona, Toronto, and Seattle.
Mariners’ Game Plan
Seattle Mariners’ manager, Scott Servais, announced the news before the Mariners’ game against Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The team made it through last season without a single starter missing a turn, and they will now have to rely on Chris Flexen to fill Ray’s spot. Flexen has made four starts this season and has a record of 0-4 with a 10.38 ERA.
Ray’s Recovery and Future
Recovery from flexor tendon surgery can take several months, and the Mariners will undoubtedly miss Ray’s pitching prowess. However, Ray is expected to make a full recovery and return to the mound in the next season. As for now, Seattle will have to find a way to manage without their star pitcher, and Flexen will need to step up and produce quality starts to keep the Mariners’ playoff hopes alive.
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