The Seattle Mariners have placed former Cy Young winner Robbie Ray on a 15-day injured list due to a left flexor strain, the team confirmed on Saturday. In a corresponding move, the team recalled lefty Gabe Speier from Triple-A Tacoma.
Ray lands on IL after he was forced to exit his first start of the season, a 9-4 loss to the Cleveland Guardians on Friday, in the fourth inning. He threw 91 pitches, walking five batters and allowing five runs (three earned) on four hits.
Speaking with reporters after the game, Ray said that he felt something was off with his throwing arm in the second inning.
“In the second inning it felt a little tight, but it didn’t seem out of the ordinary,” Ray said. “It was a cold night, I just thought maybe it took me a while to get loose in that second inning. I didn’t really think that much about it, but after that my arm started to tighten up a good amount.”
Speaking with reporters, Mariners manager Scott Servais said that Ray is set to be re-evaluated in two weeks. However, he is expected to miss between 4-6 weeks before being able to return to the mound.
Robbie Ray signed a five-year, $115 million contract with the Mariners in 2021. He had a 12-12 record last season, posting a 3.71 ERA with 212 strikeouts.
