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. He has also played for the Detroit Tigers, Arizona Diamondbacks, Toronto Blue Jays, and Seattle Mariners. Ray is known for his fastball and strikeout ability, having achieved notable success throughout his MLB career. He signed a five-year contract with the Seattle Mariners in 2021 and was later traded to the Giants. His career has been marked by both periods of high performance and inconsistency, making him a compelling figure in contemporary baseball.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

2010: Drafted by the Washington Nationals

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

May 10, 2011: First Professional Baseball Start

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

July 5, 2013: Promoted to Harrisburg Senators

On July 5, 2013, Robbie Ray was promoted to the Double-A Harrisburg Senators after excelling in the Carolina League.

December 3, 2013: Traded to Detroit Tigers

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

May 6, 2014: MLB Debut

On May 6, 2014, Robbie Ray made his MLB debut for the Detroit Tigers, allowing only one run on five hits in 5+1⁄3 innings in a victory against the Houston Astros.

December 5, 2014: Traded to Arizona Diamondbacks

On December 5, 2014, Robbie Ray was traded to the Arizona Diamondbacks as part of a three-team trade.

2015: Development with Arizona Diamondbacks

During the 2015 season, Robbie Ray showed development with the Arizona Diamondbacks, highlighted by increased command and 108 strikeouts in 117+1⁄3 innings.

2016: Inconsistent Season with Diamondbacks

In 2016, Robbie Ray had an inconsistent season with the Diamondbacks, marked by a high strikeout rate but also a high ERA. He finished the season with an 8-15 record and a 4.90 ERA.

2016: Career Best Innings Pitched

In 2019, Robbie Ray tied his career best innings pitched from 2016.

2017: First MLB All-Star Selection

In 2017, Robbie Ray was selected as an MLB All-Star for the first time, marking a significant achievement in his career.

2017: All-Star Selection and Injury

In 2017, Robbie Ray was selected for his first All-Star Game and had a 27+1⁄3-inning scoreless streak. On July 28, 2017, his season was interrupted when he was hit in the head by a line drive, but he later returned to finish the season with a 15-5 record and a 2.89 ERA.

2018: Strained Oblique and Return

In 2018, Robbie Ray sustained a strained oblique muscle in April and returned in June. He finished the season with a 6-2 record and a 3.93 ERA.

2019: Career High Starts and Strikeouts

In 2019, Robbie Ray pitched a career high 33 starts and had a career-high 235 strikeouts.

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

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

August 31, 2020: Traded to Toronto Blue Jays

On August 31, 2020, Robbie Ray was traded by the Diamondbacks to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange 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 Broken Up

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

November 30, 2021: Signed with Seattle Mariners

On November 30, 2021, Robbie Ray signed a five-year contract with the Seattle Mariners worth $115 million.

2021: Led AL in ERA, Strikeouts, Innings Pitched, and WHIP

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). Ray also won the American League Cy Young Award and the Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher that year.

2021: Won AL Cy Young Award

In 2021, Robbie Ray won the American League (AL) Cy Young Award with the Blue Jays, leading the AL in earned run average (ERA) and MLB in strikeouts. He was also named to the All-MLB First Team that year.

October 11, 2022: Gave Up Walk-Off Home Run in ALDS

On October 11, 2022, in the first game of the ALDS against the Houston Astros, Robbie Ray gave up a walk-off three-run home run to Yordan Alvarez.

January 5, 2024: Traded to the San Francisco Giants

On January 5, 2024, Robbie Ray was traded to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for Mitch Haniger, Anthony DeSclafani, and cash considerations.

November 2, 2024: Ray Declined to Exercise Opt-Out Clause

On November 2, 2024, Robbie Ray declined to exercise his opt-out clause, allowing him to remain with the San Francisco Giants.

2025: Second All-Star Game Selection

In 2025, Robbie Ray earned his second career All-Star Game selection. He pitched 182+1⁄3 innings over 32 starts, posting a record of 11-8 and an ERA of 3.65.