Ray (2-5) gave up five runs on eight hits and three walks and struck out six over 4.1 innings in a loss Monday to Tampa Bay.
Ray hit a solo home run, but even that couldn't reverse his fortunes. He is floundering, with just one quality start in his past nine outings, and has seen his ERA jump from 1.96 to 5.14 in that span dating back to April 19. Ray has struck out an absurd 55 batters in 43 innings in those nine starts, but he has been touched up for 10 home runs and opposing hitters have a .553 slugging percentage against him. It doesn't matter how nasty you are when your mistakes get punished this badly, and Ray isn't going to be a viable starter until he can find a way to keep the ball in the yard.