Astros and Phillies Reportedly Showing Recent Interest in Robbie Ray Deal

In a search for pitching help at the deadline, one Diamondback with a steadily high K rate may actually provide the best results.

Robbie Ray, the ace in Arizona who generally gets buried behind Zack Greinke, could be available at the right price, and Philly and Houston have both reportedly checked in.

The enigmatic Ray continues to be a bit of a literal wild card this season, displaying an elevated walk total (a league-leading 56) while also being second in the NL in strikeouts, posting a remarkable 145 in 111 innings. Make no bones about it: Ray's strikeout numbers are elite, but his control issues have held him back from reaching truly top-tier status since 2017.

That year, he was deservedly a top-10 Cy Young finisher (he came in seventh), allowing just 116 hits in 162 innings pitched, setting down 218 men via the strikeout.

Though he'll likely be a buy-low option in some respects at this year's deadline, his numbers the past few seasons have been fairly excellent (outside of the walks), and if the Astros get their hands on him, that could be hell to pay for the league's other contenders.