There is not a scarier play in sports than when a pitcher in baseball throws a pitch and then realizes the ball has been hit back directly at his head. Most of the time, they either get out of the way or at least get their glove up to block the ball.
Unfortunately, Robbie Ray of the Arizona Diamondbacks was not able to get out of the way of a baseball that was traveling 108 mph directly at his head. Wach as Ray is struck in the head causing him to go directly to the ground as his catcher sprints out in horror.
This is what just happened to Robbie Ray in St. Louis. pic.twitter.com/9F37Dwd1bU
— Shane Dale (@ShaneDaleAZ) July 29, 2017
Bll that hit #Dbacks Robbie Ray left the bat at 108 mph and careened all the way into foul territory by 3B where Descalso made diving catch.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 29, 2017
Here it is in slow motion:
Here's the slow-mo of Robbie Ray getting hit in the head. Watch Luke Voit's face as he realized where his liner went. Scary. pic.twitter.com/YRWnlU7124
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) July 29, 2017
Though Ray was forced to leave the game, he was conscious and able to let everyone know he was ok.
#Dbacks Robbie Ray is up and sitting in the cart. Standing ovation. Waves to the crowd.
— Steve Gilbert (@SteveGilbertMLB) July 29, 2017
Amazingly, after the ball hit Ray in the head, it was deflected into foul territory and caught by Daniel Descalso.
https://twitter.com/atf13atf/status/891097054763732992
You may remember that Ray played for the Detroit Tigers in 2014. During that season he won one game in nine appearances while posting an 8.16 ERA.
Since being traded to the Diamondbacks, he has emerged as one of the best young pitchers in baseball. So far in 2017, Ray is 9-5 with a 3.15 ERA and he represented the Diamondbacks in the Major League Baseball All-Star Game.
Despite being 12.5 games behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League West, the Diamondbacks are 59-43, which currently places them in the first Wild Card position in the NL.
Ray, along with Zach Greinke and Zach Godley, has been part of a group of pitchers who have emerged as one of the best 1-2-3 trios in the league. If he is out for any extended amount of time, the Diamondbacks could be in trouble.
Our thoughts and prayers go out to Robbie Ray.
