F.A.Q.
Question: What are Robbie Ray's expected strikeout numbers this season?
Answer: Robbie Ray's strikeout potential is significant, especially considering his past performance where he averaged around 10 strikeouts per nine innings. With a healthy season and a solid supporting cast, he could exceed 220 strikeouts, positioning him as a fantasy ace.
Question: What aspects of Robbie Ray's game have improved post-surgery?
Answer: After Tommy John surgery, Robbie Ray has returned with improved velocity and a notable strikeout rate, helping him miss bats effectively. He has also been working on refining his changeup, which was previously a weak point, making him a compelling late-round pick in fantasy drafts.
Question: What role will Robbie Ray play in the Giants' rotation?
Answer: Robbie Ray is expected to be a key contributor in the Giants' rotation, bringing veteran experience and a high strikeout rate. As a former Cy Young winner, his presence could bolster the team's overall performance, particularly in high-pressure situations. His ability to miss bats and generate swings-and-misses enhances the Giants' chances of competing in crucial matchups.
Question: Could Ray still provide value despite injury concerns?
Answer: Yes, if Ray manages to stay healthy, he could provide exceptional value, especially at an ADP around 150. His upside is still considerable, and if he regains his past form, he could be a steal. However, it's critical to monitor his recovery closely leading into the season.
Question: How should I approach drafting Ray given his injury history?
Answer: When considering Ray, weigh the potential risk against his past performance. His Cy Young season showcased his ability, but the injuries in recent years necessitate caution. It may be best to draft him as a post-hype sleeper rather than a core piece of your roster.
Question: How can Robbie Ray's pitching style complement the Giants' rotation?
Answer: Robbie Ray's ability to generate strikeouts and limit opposing hitters makes him a crucial component of the Giants' rotation. His left-handedness adds balance to a rotation primarily consisting of righties, creating matchup advantages against left-handed hitters. Ray's experience and past success in high-leverage situations could also provide a stabilizing influence in the rotation.
Question: What are the chances of Robbie Ray returning to form?
Answer: Robbie Ray's prospects of returning to form hinge on his recovery from Tommy John surgery. The Giants are optimistic that with additional time and appropriate conditioning, he could regain his peak performance level, which was marked by high strikeout rates and solid ERAs. If Ray can recapture that form, he could be the missing piece in a shaky rotation seeking stability.