Players To Watch: Diamondbacks Vs. Giants

Robbie Ray

Jul 7, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Arizona Diamondbacks starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) throws a pitch in the fifth inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

The trade that brought Robbie Ray to Arizona might be one of the more underrated moves of the offseason.

I could write a daily blog about how much I’ve disagreed with the moves the Diamondbacks front office has made over the years, but the Ray trade isn’t one of those moves.

The 23-year-old southpaw was acquired from the Tigers in the three-team trade that shipped Didi Gregorius to the Yankees (remember, he’s the next Derek Jeter despite the fact that they’re nothing alike), and he’s really the only player who’s performed well from that trade.

Gregorius is hitting a an abysmal .238, Shane Greene (the player sent from the Yankees to the Tigers) has been awful after a tremendous start, and Ray has a 2.16 ERA in his first year with the Snakes.

Over his last eight starts, Ray has given up more than three runs only once (four against the Dodgers) and has held opponents scoreless in three of those games.

I’d be lying if I said I’d expected him to be the most consistent pitcher on Arizona’s staff, but right now, that appears to be the case. A matchup against a hot Giants offense that battered Cole Hamels will be a huge test for the young hurler.