Career Timeline of Robbie Ray: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Robbie Ray made an impact.

Robert Glenn "Robbie" Ray is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the San Francisco Giants in MLB. Prior to joining the Giants, he played for the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. He is a left-handed pitcher known for his fastball and slider combination.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1999: Jeff Weaver's first major league start win

In 1999, Jeff Weaver was the last Tigers pitcher to win his first major league start at the age of 22 or younger.

2010: Ray Drafted by Washington Nationals

In 2010, after de-committing from Vanderbilt University and planning to play for the Arkansas Razorbacks, Ray was selected by the Washington Nationals in the 12th round of the MLB Draft. He signed with the team on August 14 for a signing bonus of $799,000 and pitched one inning for the Vermont Lake Monsters.

May 10, 2011: First Professional Baseball Start

On May 10, 2011, Robbie Ray made his first professional baseball start for the Class A Hagerstown Suns, pitching five innings, striking out six, and walking none.

July 5, 2013: Promotion to Harrisburg Senators

On July 5, 2013, Robbie Ray was promoted to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators after a successful first half of the season in the Carolina League, where he led with 93 strikeouts and had a 2.84 ERA.

December 3, 2013: Trade to the Detroit Tigers

On December 3, 2013, Robbie Ray, along with Ian Krol and Steve Lombardozzi Jr., was traded by the Nationals to the Detroit Tigers for Doug Fister.

May 6, 2014: MLB Debut with Detroit Tigers

On May 6, 2014, Robbie Ray made his MLB debut with the Detroit Tigers, allowing one run on five hits in 5+1⁄3 innings in a win against the Houston Astros. He became the first Tigers pitcher to win his first major league start at 22 or younger since Jeff Weaver in 1999.

December 5, 2014: Trade to Arizona Diamondbacks

On December 5, 2014, Robbie Ray was traded from the Detroit Tigers to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three-team trade involving the New York Yankees.

2016: Inconsistent Season with the Diamondbacks

In 2016, Robbie Ray had an inconsistent season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, marked by a high strikeout rate (11.3 K/9) and 218 strikeouts in 174+1⁄3 innings, but also a high ERA of 4.90.

2016: Tied Career-Best Innings Pitched

In 2016, Robbie Ray tied his career-best innings pitched with 174+1⁄3 innings.

2017: All-Star Season Interrupted by Injury

In 2017, Robbie Ray had an All-Star season, highlighted by a 27+1⁄3-inning scoreless streak and his first complete game shutout on May 30. His season was interrupted on July 28 when he was hit in the head by a line drive and placed on concussion protocols, but still finished with a 15–5 record and 2.89 ERA.

2018: Injury and Return to the Diamondbacks

In 2018, Robbie Ray strained an oblique muscle in April and returned on June 27. He finished the season with a 6–2 record and a 3.93 ERA in 24 starts.

2019: Career High Strikeouts

In 2019, Robbie Ray pitched a career-high 33 starts and struck out a career-high 235 batters. He went 12-8 with a 4.34 ERA.

August 16, 2020: Reaches 1,000 MLB Career Strikeouts

On August 16, 2020, Robbie Ray reached 1,000 MLB career strikeouts. He finished the 2020 season with a 1-4 record and a 7.84 ERA and led the NL in walks given up with Arizona.

August 31, 2020: Trade to the Toronto Blue Jays

On August 31, 2020, Robbie Ray was traded by the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Toronto Blue Jays for Travis Bergen.

September 1, 2020: Blue Jays Debut

On September 1, 2020, Robbie Ray made his debut with the Toronto Blue Jays.

July 11, 2021: No-Hitter Bid Against Tampa Bay Rays

On July 11, 2021, Robbie Ray took a no-hitter into the 7th inning against the Tampa Bay Rays, which was broken up by a one-out double by Yandy Díaz.

November 30, 2021: Signs with the Seattle Mariners

On November 30, 2021, Robbie Ray signed a five-year, $115 million contract with the Seattle Mariners, including an opt-out after three years and a no-trade clause.

2021: Cy Young Award Winner

In 2021, Robbie Ray finished the season with a 13–7 record and led the American League in ERA (2.84), strikeouts (248), innings pitched (193+1⁄3), and WHIP (1.04). He won the American League Cy Young Award and the Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher.