Diamondbacks: Robbie Ray is a top-10 fantasy pitcher

The Diamondbacks rotation has been more than good this month. Atop the list is a 21st round fantasy draft pick, Robbie Ray. If you can, add him to your team.

The Arizona Diamondbacks played well in May but most of the success is on the shoulders, or arms, of the starting rotation. Three of the starters have WHIPs under 1.00 and two more have a WHIP under 2.00. The one that I’m excited about is Robbie Ray.

Along with Zack Greinke and Zack Godley, Ray is posting ridiculous numbers. After pitching three poor starts to start the month of May (6.60 ERA in 15.0 innings), he has not allowed a run in his last three outings.

In 23.2 innings, Ray has 25 strikeouts, three walks and a .104 opposing batting average. This includes a complete game shutout against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the first of his career.

On the season, Ray’s numbers look good, even with the poor starts. He owns a 3.00 ERA, 1.101 WHIP, 11.0 K/9 and 3.8 BB/9. Ray has seven quality starts in 11 games. He ranks third in the National League in strikeouts and sixth in wins.

At just 25 years old, Ray could be in the middle of his breakout season. He posted similar stats last season, 11.3 K/9 and 3.7 last year, but allowed too many baserunners, 1.468 WHIP.

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Surprisingly, Ray is still available in 20 percent of ESPN leagues. With all of the injuries to starting pitchers so far this season, I’m shocked that his ownership isn’t at 100 percent. However, with his next start, I think it’ll continue to rise.

Ray will pitch his next game on June 6 at home against the San Diego Padres. As we know, the Padres offense struggled in May. They hit .219/.293/.354 in 27 games. I expect more of the same going forward.

As far as Ray goes, I think he continues this run as the season rolls on. While he will give up a run or two, Ray has shown great control recently. He has three walks and eight hits in his last three games.

The Diamondbacks have planned to store baseball inside a humidor. According to AZCentral, this could greatly reduce the number of home runs at Chase Field. They reference a study done by Alan Nathan, a physics professor at the University of Illinois, and he said that home runs could be reduced by 25 percent.

While ESPN reported that they expected it to be installed by May, if it happens at all this season, the Diamondbacks’ pitchers are the ones who benefit most.

Next: Royals' Whit Merrifield is a deep waiver add

Ray has the stuff to be a successful pitcher. I think with the lack power in the National League, Ray will be just as good for the rest of the season. Make a move for him now before his value goes through the roof.

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Diamondbacks: Robbie Ray is a top-10 pitcher rest of season

By Bill Pivetz | May 31, 2017

The Diamondbacks rotation has been more than good this month. Atop the list is a 21st round fantasy draft pick, Robbie Ray. If you can, add him to your team.