Padres Near Acquisition of Left-Hander Robbie Ray from Giants

San Diego is reportedly close to completing a trade for left-handed starter Robbie Ray, who has been pitching for the San Francisco Giants this season. Sources familiar with the deal told ESPN that the Giants would assume about half of the roughly $9 million remaining salary, including a portion of Ray’s $1 million trade bonus.

Ray, 34, posted a 3.08 ERA over 122 2/3 innings for the Giants and has been especially effective in his last seven starts, posting a 1.09 ERA while emphasizing his sinker. He entered his most recent start with a 6-0 record and a 1.09 ERA over his previous eight outings.

If the transaction is finalized before the August 3 trade deadline, Ray would join Michael King and Walker Buehler in San Diego’s rotation, potentially providing depth for a staff that could see Nick Pivetta or Joe Musgrove return later in the month.

The Giants are unlikely to retain Ray beyond the season, as he will become a free agent. Analysts have suggested that he may be the most valuable pitcher available at the deadline, especially if other teams, such as the Detroit Tigers, decide not to retain their own starters.

Ray’s recent performances include a six-inning, scoreless outing against the Angels and a start against the Padres in which he allowed two unearned runs and one earned run before being removed after five innings. He currently holds a 3.33 ERA and an 8-6 record for the season.