Detroit Tigers Robbie Ray Sparkles in Major League Debut

Mar 11, 2014; Lakeland, FL, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Robbie Ray (70) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Joker Marchant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

That sound you heard from Comerica Park was Dave Dombrowski exhaling when Robbie Ray, the main trade piece in the Doug Fister trade, sparkled in his debut Tuesday night.  He threw 5 1/3 innings giving up 1 run on 5 hits, which for a major league debut is excellent.  After Houston had runners on 1st and 3rd after 2 batters in the first inning, Ray settled down and got out of it without giving up a run.  The other advantage Robbie Ray has is he is left handed and right now the Detroit Tigers are a heavy right handed starting pitching staff.

Detroit Tigers Robbie Ray sparkles in major league debut that is exciting news for them.  With all the bad news the Tigers have had this year having Ray pitch well in his debut was a welcome site.  Even with the injuries the Tigers seem to be the class of this division again despite having the worst bullpen in the division maybe the majors.  Hopefully they have settled down they have pitched decent the last 7 games.

While Ray is better off going back down to the minors and getting some more seasoning, he pitched extremely well against the Houston Astros even though he was only facing mostly guys who should still be in the minors.  It was a smart decision by Brad Ausmus to start him against the Houston Astros.  This start also should give Ray some confidence when he goes back down to perform at a high level and prove he should be pitching in Detroit sooner rather than later.

This should serve notice to Max Scherzer that the Detroit Tigers are prepared to move on without him next year if he does not take their offer.  While I would take Max over Robbie every day and twice on Sunday Dombrowski seems to think that they need to save some money and even though Scherzer continues to break Tigers records, first Tigers pitcher ever to have at least 7 strike outs in his first 7 starts of a season, the Tigers can survive without him.  I hope that Scherzer signs and Ray proves he his ready to pitch in the majors because that only makes the Tigers stronger in the long run.  Robbie Ray made a great stride towards that end Tuesday night.