Brooks Raley Injury News & Updates
Keep up with the latest injuries from the Mets vs Cubs game on tomorrow with our Major League Baseball injury report.Nov 3, 2023
Team exercises option
The Mets exercised Raley's $6.5 million option for 2024 on Friday, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
The alternative would've been paying him a $1.25 million buyout, making it an easy call on the team's part. Raley had a fine 2023 campaign, posting a 2.80 ERA and 61:25 K:BB over 54.2 innings. He's slated for setup duties in 2024 as Edwin Diaz makes his return from knee surgery.
Aug 2, 2023
Blows save, takes loss
Raley (0-2) blew the save and took the loss in Tuesday's 7-6 loss against the Royals. He allowed three runs (two earned) on two hits and didn't record a strikeout over one-third of an inning.
ANALYSIS
After handling ninth-inning duties in the Mets' last three contests, Raley took over in the 10th after Drew Smith was handed the ball for the ninth frame and turned in a scoreless inning. Entering the contest with a two-run lead, Raley was unable to secure the win, allowing back-to-back hits to tie the game before being pulled. With the Mets' closing job seemingly wide open, Tuesday's outing definitely won't help Raley's chances at earning more save chances.
Jul 31, 2023
Collects save No. 2
Raley picked up the save Sunday against the Nationals. He allowed one walk and struck out three over a scoreless inning.
ANALYSIS
For the third straight night, Raley was tasked with ninth-inning duties and managed to convert for his second save of the season Sunday. The southpaw looks to have the jump on the closer role following the trade of David Robertson and has turned in three straight scoreless outings for the Mets. Though it's likely Raley will have a short leash considering Adam Ottavino and Drew Smith each saw save opportunities earlier in the year, it appears to be Raley's job to lose. Through 46 appearances (38 innings), Raley boasts a 2.37 ERA and a 43:18 K:BB.
Jul 28, 2023
Steps in to notch save
Raley earned a save against the Nationals on Thursday, issuing one walk and striking out one batter in a scoreless inning.
ANALYSIS
David Robertson entered the day as the Mets' closer and even warmed up in the bullpen while New York rallied in the eighth inning, but the righty reliever didn't get a chance to pitch following a lengthy rain delay. As it turns out, Robertson ended up being traded to Miami, so Raley's save conversion may be a sign that he'll get more ninth-inning opportunities moving forward. Raley has worked primarily in a setup role this season with 19 holds against just two saves, though he did notch six saves with the Rays last season. Adam Ottavino has finished games at times for the Mets this year -- he has six saves in seven chances -- and figures to be a prominent factor in the team's new closer picture as well.
Jul 1, 2023
Collects 15th hold
Raley struck out the only two batters he faced Friday to record his 15th hold of the season in a loss to the Giants.
ANALYSIS
The southpaw fired six of eight pitches for strikes as he rung up Casey Schmitt and LaMonte Wade for the final two outs of the seventh inning, but David Robertson coughed up the lead in the eighth. Raley is third in the NL in holds behind Tyler Rogers' 20 and Steven Wilson's 16 despite missing a couple weeks in May with a sore elbow, bolstering that production with a 2.51 ERA, 1.19 WHIP and 31:10 K:BB through 28.2 innings.
May 21, 2023
Notches first save
Raley threw a perfect inning to earn a save over Cleveland during the second game of Sunday's doubleheader. He recorded a hold with a scoreless frame during the first game.
ANALYSIS
Raley needed just five pitches to quickly finish the 2-1 victory Sunday night. He's turned in four shutout frames with a 3:3 K:BB since returning from the injured list May 14. He lowered his ERA to 3.52 with a save and 10 holds across 15.1 innings this season.
May 14, 2023
Back from injured list
Raley (elbow) was reinstated from the 15-day injured list Sunday.
ANALYSIS
The left-hander has been on the shelf with left elbow inflammation since April 29, but he'll rejoin the active roster Sunday after making one rehab appearance with Double-A Binghamton. Raley collected eight holds in 14 outings prior to landing on the shelf and had a 4.76 ERA, 1.06 WHIP and 11:1 K:BB over 11.1 innings.
Apr 30, 2023
Could be back in minimum time
Raley isn't scheduled to undergo an MRI after he was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left elbow inflammation, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
The Mets believe that Raley isn't dealing with anything more than some minor swelling in his elbow and are optimistic that he'll be ready to return from the IL when first eligible in mid-May. Raley had picked up eight holds through his first 14 relief appearances with the Mets, and while he sports a 4.76 ERA over 11.1 innings, most of his underlying ratios are strong.
Apr 29, 2023
To IL with elbow inflammation
Raley was placed on the 15-day injured list Saturday with left elbow inflammation.
ANALYSIS
The move is retroactive to April 28. Raley logged eight holds, one win and zero saves in 14 games this season. Adam Ottavino, who was on the paternity list, was activated in a corresponding move.
Apr 21, 2023
Leading league in holds
Raley tossed a perfect sixth inning Thursday to record his eighth hold of the season in a 9-4 win over the Giants. He didn't walk or strike out a batter.
ANALYSIS
The lefty needed only eight pitches to breeze through the bottom of San Francisco's order and preserve a two-run lead, although New York blew the game open after that. Raley's eight holds leads the majors, and they come in only 10 appearances. The 34-year-old is well on his way to blowing past the career-high 22 he racked up in that category for the Rays in 2022.
Mar 31, 2023
Collects first hold of season
Raley struck out two in a perfect eighth inning during an Opening Day win over the Marlins to record his first hold of the season.
ANALYSIS
The Mets' bullpen survived its first test without Edwin Diaz (knee) and passed with flying colors, as Raley, Drew Smith and David Robertson combined to strike out six batters over three scoreless innings in relief of Max Scherzer. Raley was already ticketed for a high-leverage role in his first season with the team as the top lefty in the New York 'pen, but he could find his way into a few more save chances in Diaz's absence, although Robertson will likely see the bulk of the ninth-inning work out of the gate.
Mar 27, 2023
Pitching in intrasquad game
Raley (hamstring) is scheduled to pitch in an intrasquad game Monday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley concluded the Mets' Grapefruit League without having made an appearance since March 5, but he was able to throw in a minor-league game over the weekend and appears to have experienced no setbacks in his recovery from a strained left hamstring. Assuming he checks out fine after Monday's outing, Raley will be included on the Mets' Opening Day roster and should be in position to work in a key late-innings role.
Mar 25, 2023
Still on track
Raley (hamstring) pitched in a minor-league game rather than a Grapefruit League game Saturday but remains on track for Opening Day, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley is dealing with a low-grade left hamstring strain but seems to be progressing well. Previous reports held that he'd pitch for the big-league club this weekend, but the Mets apparently changed plans. His next appearance will come in an intrasquad game Monday. Assuming no setbacks, Raley could see saves as the top lefty in a closer committee in the absence of Edwin Diaz (knee), though David Robertson is presumably ahead of him on the depth chart should the Mets anoint a new dedicated closer.
Mar 22, 2023
Nearing return to Grapefruit mound
Raley (hamstring) pitched in a minor-league game Wednesday and is on track to return to Grapefruit League action this weekend, Mike Puma of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley suffered a low-grade strain of his left hamstring earlier this month as he was gearing up to represent Team USA in the World Baseball Classic, but he has checked most of the necessary boxes in the weeks since and should be good to go for Opening Day. The left-hander could factor into the saves mix for the Mets in 2023 with Edwin Diaz (knee) already done for the year.
Mar 20, 2023
On track for Opening Day
Raley (hamstring) threw a bullpen session Sunday and believe he's on track for Opening Day, Tim Healey of Newsday reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley is hoping to get in at least one Grapefruit League game by the end of the week. The left-hander has been out with a left hamstring strain, and was forced off the World Baseball Classic roster. Raley could be an option for saves if he is healthy, but he'll need to get in at least a game or two in Florida if he's going to be a part of the Opening Day roster.
Mar 16, 2023
Might be in the mix for saves
Raley (hamstring) and David Robertson are viewed as the primary options for saves for the Mets in the event that Edwin Diaz (knee) is lost for a significant period of time, Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley collected six saves for the Rays last season before being traded to the Mets in December. The left-hander was dominant in 2022 against lefties and righties alike, so there aren't platoon split worries. Robertson might be higher in the pecking order given his long history as a closer, but both should be on the radars of mixed-league fantasy managers. Raley is working his way back from a hamstring injury but is expected to be ready to pitch in a game in a few days.
Mar 14, 2023
Plays catch Tuesday
Raley (hamstring) returned to Mets camp and played catch Tuesday, Anthony DiComo of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley had to pull out of the World Baseball Classic because of a low-grade left hamstring strain, but he's expected to be fine. The lefty won't appear in a game for at least a week, but the Mets anticipate the reliever being ready to roll on Opening Day.
Mar 11, 2023
Expected back Tuesday
Raley (hamstring) is expected back Tuesday for the Mets, Tim Britton of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley was diagnosed with a low grade left hamstring strain Saturday, and the left-hander was forced to withdraw from the American roster for the World Baseball Classic. Even if he misses a few extra days, it appears likely that this won't be an injury that carries into the regular season.
Mar 11, 2023
Dealing with hamstring strain
Raley was diagnosed with a low-grade left hamstring strain Saturday.
ANALYSIS
Raley was removed from the American roster for the World Baseball Classic on Friday, but the reason was initially undisclosed. It now looks likely that he could open the season in the injured list, though the Mets have yet to announce a timeline.
Mar 10, 2023
Removed from WBC roster
Raley was removed from the Team USA roster Friday due to injury, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley has been replaced by Aaron Loup for the tournament. The injury specifics are unknown at this time, but there should be a further update on his status in the coming days.
Dec 7, 2022
Shipped to Mets
The Mets acquired Raley from the Rays on Wednesday in exchange for minor-league pitcher Keyshawn Askew, Jon Heyman of the New York Post reports.
ANALYSIS
Aside from All-Star closer Edwin Diaz, the Mets were lacking in reliable setup options last season, and the team's relief depth became further tested earlier this winter when all of Seth Lugo, Trevor May, Joely Rodriguez and Adam Ottavino became free agents. The addition of Raley thus addresses a major need, as he'll give the Mets a proven left-handed arm to slot in front of Diaz in the late innings. Raley covered 53.2 frames for Tampa Bay in 2022, collecting one win, six saves and 22 holds while pitching to a 2.68 ERA and 0.97 WHIP.
Sep 22, 2022
Rare stumble in loss
Raley (1-2) allowed three earned runs on three hits across one inning to take the loss Wednesday against the Astros.
ANALYSIS
Raley entered the game with a one-run lead, but he allowed a three-run home run to Kyle Tucker to take the loss. Entering Wednesday's appearance, Raley had turned in 10 consecutive scoreless appearances -- spanning 10.2 innings -- while also picking up six holds in that span. Despite the stumble, Raley has been excellent for the Rays this season by maintaining a 2.47 ERA and 0.92 WHIP across 51 frames.
Sep 16, 2022
Reinstated from restricted list
Raley was reinstated from the restricted list Friday.
ANALYSIS
Raley was unavailable for the Rays' series in Toronto this week due to his vaccination status, but he'll rejoin the team's bullpen ahead of Friday's series opener against the Rangers. Over 19 appearances since the All-Star break, he's picked up 10 holds while posting a 0.92 ERA and 0.86 WHIP in 19.2 innings.
Sep 12, 2022
Goes on restricted list
The Rays placed Raley on the restricted list prior to their series in Toronto, Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Sun reports.
ANALYSIS
Due to his vaccination status, Raley will miss the Rays' entire four-game set in Toronto before returning to the active roster Friday. The lefty has strung together eight scoreless appearances with 10 strikeouts and one walk dating back to Aug. 20.
Jul 15, 2022
Secures sixth save
Raley threw a perfect inning and earned a save against Baltimore on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Raley tossed eight of 12 pitches for strikes and made quick work of the Orioles to finish off the 5-4 victory. He's now converted six of his seven save opportunities this season and lowered his ERA to 2.86 through 28.1 frames. The 34-year-old southpaw has given up three runs over his last 14 outings, all coming during an ugly outing in Cincinnati on July 9.
Jul 12, 2022
Earns fifth save
Raley picked up the save Tuesday, striking out two and walking a batter in the ninth inning of a 3-2 victory over Boston.
ANALYSIS
After retiring the first two batters in order in the ninth, Raley issued a two-out walk to Jeter Downs. He finished the night by striking out Franchy Cordero on three pitches. It was his fifth save of the season and first since June 26. His five saves are tied for the team lead with Andrew Kittredge (elbow) and Colin Poche. Raley should continue to get the occasional save opportunity but will primarily serve in a setup role moving forward.
Jul 4, 2022
Reinstated from restricted list
Raley (personal) was reinstated from the restricted list Monday.
ANALYSIS
Raley was unavailable for the Rays' five-game series in Toronto due to being unvaccinated, but he'll rejoin the team for its upcoming series in Boston. Over his last nine appearances, the southpaw has earned a save and a hold while striking out 14 in 10 scoreless innings.
Jun 29, 2022
Unavailable in Toronto
Raley will be placed on the restricted list and won't travel with the Rays for the upcoming five-game series against the Blue Jays, which begins Thursday, due to Canada's vaccination requirement, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley didn't allow a hit over two scoreless innings during Tuesday's loss to Milwaukee, and he won't be able to travel with the team to Toronto since he's apparently unvaccinated. The 34-year-old has four saves and seven holds with a 2.42 ERA this season, so his absence will be significant for the Tampa Bay bullpen. The Rays have five relievers with at least two saves this season, with Colin Poche and Jason Adam set to be the top options for the five-game set versus the Blue Jays.
Jun 26, 2022
Earns fourth save
Raley picked up the save in Sunday's 4-2 win over Pittsburgh, striking out one and allowing a walk in the ninth inning.
ANALYSIS
Raley converted the rare save opportunity, pitching around a two-out walk to secure the victory. The lefty was called upon to close out a game for the first time since May 11. The Rays have spread around save chances this season with Colin Poche receiving the bulk of the opportunities of late. With four saves, Raley is now one behind both Poche and Andrew Kittredge for the team lead. It seems most likely that he'll get the occasional save opportunity and Sunday's chance had more to do with two left-handed hitting batters coming to the plate in the ninth than a changing of the guard.
May 12, 2022
Notches third save
Raley walked one and struck out one in a scoreless 10th inning Wednesday to record his third save of the season in a 4-2 win over the Angels.
ANALYSIS
The Rays' bullpen usage remains as mercurial as ever, but Raley at the very least appears to have earned a place of trust among Kevin Cash's high-leverage crew. The veteran lefty has two saves, a win and a hold in his last four games and has been scored upon in only one of his 11 appearances this season, leaving him with a 1.80 ERA, 0.70 WHIP and 13:2 K:BB through 10 innings.
May 7, 2022
Earns third save
Raley tossed a clean inning and earned a save over the Mariners on Friday.
ANALYSIS
Raley entered the game to protect an 8-7 lead after Ryan Thompson served up a solo home run to Eugenio Suarez to lead off the ninth inning. The 33-year-old southpaw needed just nine pitches to retire three straight batters and pick up his second save in as many days. Raley has registered a 2.25 ERA with three saves and a 10:1 K:BB through eight innings this season.
May 6, 2022
Records second save
Raley earned the save against the Mariners on Thursday, completing a perfect inning during which he struck out one batter.
ANALYSIS
Andrew Kittredge has emerged as the Rays' most frequent closer this season, but he had pitched each of the the previous three days and was given the night off Thursday. Raley stepped in to fill the ninth-inning role and did well, retiring the side on 12 pitches to preserve a one-run lead. The save was the southpaw's second of the season, and he could get additional chances here and there, though probably not enough to make him a viable fantasy asset in leagues that don't count holds.
Apr 8, 2022
Notches one-out save
Raley struck out the only batter he faced and earned a save over the Orioles on Friday.
ANALYSIS
J.P. Feyereisen was lifted from the game after coughing up a two-out single to Rougned Odor in the ninth inning. Raley took over and fanned Cedric Mullins on six pitches to secure the 2-1 victory. The 33-year-old southpaw posted a 1.93 ERA in four spring appearances and it looks like he'll be a key member of the Rays' closer committee to start the 2022 campaign.
Nov 29, 2021
Reaches deal with Rays
Raley agreed to a deal with the Rays on Monday, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The financial terms of the deal have yet to be revealed, but the contract lasts two years plus an option for a third, per Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. Judging purely by his 4.78 ERA in 49 innings of relief for the Astros last season, Raley doesn't look like much of a player, but a deeper dive makes him look much more interesting. All three of his 31.7 percent strikeout rate, 7.8 percent walk rate and 45.3 percent groundball rate were better than average, leading to a 3.27 FIP and 2.90 xFIP. It's very possible he'll see high-leverage opportunities and the occasional save in the Rays' fluid bullpen.
Aug 10, 2021
Completed suspension
Raley is back with the Astros on Tuesday after serving his two-game suspension, Julia Morales of AT&T SportsNet Southwest reports.
ANALYSIS
The lefty served his punishment for throwing at J.P. Crawford and will be an option out of Houston's bullpen in Tuesday's series opener against Colorado.
Aug 7, 2021
Begins two-game suspension
Raley's suspension for throwing at J.P. Crawford was reduced on appeal from three to two games Saturday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
The incident occured back in late July. Raley will begin serving the ban immediately, so he'll miss both weekend games against the Twins but will be eligible to return at the start of next week.
Jul 31, 2021
Appealing three-game suspension
Raley is appealing a three-game suspension for intentionally throwing at J.P. Crawford on Monday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley will be eligible to pitch while he awaits a decision on his appeal. The southpaw has allowed three runs on two hits and three walks while striking out three in 2.1 innings across four relief appearances since the start of July.
Jul 27, 2021
Lit up in return
Raley allowed two runs on one hit, one walk and a hit batsman without retiring a batter in Monday's 11-8 loss to the Mariners.
ANALYSIS
With a couple of Houston's more trusted relievers unavailable due to recent work schedules, manager Dusty Baker had to go with Ryne Stanek then Raley in the bottom of the eighth inning. Houston led 8-7 entering the half-inning, but Seattle plated four to complete a comeback from a 7-0 deficit. Raley pitched for the first time since coming off the COVID-19 protocols list and was ejected after three hitters. With runners on first and second, he walked Tom Murphy, gave up a grand slam to Dylan Moore, then hit J.P. Crawford, prompting the ejection.
Jul 25, 2021
Back from COVID IL
Raley (undisclosed) was activated from the COVID-19 injured list Sunday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The left-hander has been on the shelf since July 8, but he's cleared the health and safety protocols and is ready for game action. Raley made one rehab appearance with Triple-A Sugar Land last week to clear the way for his return.
Jul 24, 2021
Throws to batters Friday
Raley (COVID-19 protocols) threw live batting practice Friday, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley, who was placed on the injured list for health and safety protocols July 8, had made one rehab appearance this past Tuesday for Triple-A Sugar Land before engaging in Friday's session. The Astros did not have an update on his next step.
Jul 20, 2021
Starts rehab assignment
Raley (COVID-19 protocols) reported to Triple-A Sugar Land for a rehab assignment Tuesday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley has cleared the COVID protocols and is nearing his return from the injured list. He's expected to pitch Tuesday for Sugar Land, and it's unclear if he'll require additional appearances before being activated.
Jul 19, 2021
Likely needs rehab stint
Raley (COVID-19 protocols) rejoin the Astros on Monday but is expected to require a rehab assignment before being activated from the COVID injured list, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The left-hander has been in the health and safety protocols since July 8, but he's cleared said protocols and is now back with the team. Raley last saw game action July 4, so it's not a major surprise he'll need a game or two in the minors to get back up to speed.
Jul 10, 2021
Unlikely to return Sunday
Manager Dusty Baker doesn't expect Raley (COVID-19) to rejoin the Astros for Sunday's game against the Yankees, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley figures to be healthy and good-to-go when the Astros open the second half against the White Sox next Friday.
Jul 8, 2021
Out for health protocols
Raley was placed on the injured list due to health and safety protocols Thursday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
The language of the announcement makes it clear that Raley is on the COVID-19 injured list, though whether he's tested positive for the virus himself or is merely in the protocol for contact-tracing purposes remains to be seen. Ralph Garza was recalled in a corresponding move.
Jul 5, 2021
Closes out Cleveland
Raley struck out one over a scoreless 10th inning to earn the save in Sunday's 4-3 win over Cleveland.
ANALYSIS
Raley was the choice to close out the game because Ryan Pressly was unavailable after throwing three consecutive games. It was Raley's second save of the season.
May 16, 2021
Collects second win
Raley (2-2) pitched a perfect eighth inning and earned the win Sunday versus Texas. He struck out three.
ANALYSIS
The 32-year-old did his part to keep the game tied at 2-2 in the top of the eighth inning, and Houston's offense rallied for the lead in the bottom of the frame. Raley has been inconsistent for much of the season with a 7.31 ERA and 1.31 WHIP across 16 innings. He's given up at least one run in nine of his 19 outings while adding a save and three holds.
May 5, 2021
Disaster outing in loss
Raley (0-2) failed to record an out Wednesday, giving up three runs on two hits and a walk versus the Yankees
ANALYSIS
Raley entered with the game tied at 3-3, but he allowed three straight batters to reach base before Joe Smith took over on the mound. Smith allowed all of the inherited runners to score, leaving Raley with his second loss in as many outings. He has an unsightly 9.49 ERA, 1.38 WHIP and 16:4 K:BB in 12.1 innings. He's also picked up a save and three holds, but it seems unlikely the southpaw will be trusted in high-leverage outings until he can put together better performances.
May 3, 2021
Tagged with loss
Raley (0-1) suffered his first loss of the season Sunday, allowing one run one hit in a third of an inning against the Rays.
ANALYSIS
Raley induced a pair of soft groundballs sandwiched around hitting Austin Meadows. The second soft grounder was not handled well by Alex Bregman, whose wild throw to first base put Meadows on third base. Ryne Stanek entered and gave up a shift-beating single to Manuel Margot, tagging Raley with the loss. His importance in the bullpen has grown recently, as this was Raley's fourth straight leverage appearance.
Apr 28, 2021
Works eighth inning in win
Raley struck out two over a perfect eighth inning in Tuesday's 2-0 win over Seattle.
ANALYSIS
Entering the eighth inning with a two-run lead would normally mean Ryne Stanek, but he threw 29 pitches Monday, so manager Dusty Baker rolled with Raley. He had given up runs in six of 10 outings, but was given the chance to preserve the lead for closer Ryan Pressly, as it seems Joe Smith is out of the setup mix. Raley picked up his third hold with the perfect inning.
Apr 3, 2021
Unlikely save Saturday
Raley struck out one over 1.2 scoreless innings to record his first save of the season in Saturday's 9-1 win over the A's.
ANALYSIS
The southpaw was called on to squelch a rally in the eighth inning and protect a 5-1 lead after Enoli Paredes had loaded the bases, creating a save situation for Raley as the tying run was on deck, and the Astros then tacked on four more insurance runs in the top of the ninth. It's only the second career save for the 32-year-old, who coughed up two runs Friday in one-third of an inning, but Raley could see semi-consistent high-leverage work this season with Blake Taylor being the only other left-hander in the Houston bullpen at present.
Mar 28, 2021
Projected for bullpen
Raley is projected to claim a roster spot in the Astros' bullpen, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley has allowed one run on four hits and three walks while striking out six over 5.2 Grapefruit League innings. The left-hander is expected to be a middle reliever.
Feb 27, 2021
Prepping for long relief
Raley has prepared during the offseason to fill an inning-eater role out of Houston's bullpen, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley was one of several pitchers to come out of nowhere and serve as bullpen pieces for the Astros last season. Unlike the others, who were young pitchers making their MLB debuts, Raley was in his 30s and spent most of his career pitching in leagues around the world. He became a trusted member of the 'pen and made six relief appearances during the postseason.
Nov 1, 2020
$2 million club option picked up
The Astros exercised Raley's $2 million club option for 2021 on Sunday, Jake Kaplan of The Athletic reports.
ANALYSIS
The 32-year-old southpaw had a 4.95 ERA in 20 innings this season, but his 3.63 xFIP and 25.0 K-BB% paint a better picture of the type of reliever the Astros are hoping to have for 2021. He will likely pitch primarily in the middle innings, but his ability to miss bats makes him someone to keep an eye on if the back of the bullpen underperforms next season.
Sep 20, 2020
Earns eighth-inning hold
Raley worked around a walk and struck out two over a scoreless eighth inning to earn his sixth hold in Saturday's 3-2 win over the Diamondbacks.
ANALYSIS
The left-handed Raley got the benefit of facing three left-handed batters in the inning. The Diamondbacks are in pure evaluation mode in September, so they let three young, lefty batters hit against Raley, who holds lefties to a .133 average. He's scoreless over his last three outings, earning two holds and a save during that run.
Sep 17, 2020
Grabs first save
Raley struck out one and did not allow a baserunner in a scoreless inning to earn the save Thursday against the Rangers.
ANALYSIS
Raley came in with the Astros up 2-1 and retired the side in order on only five pitches to earn his first save. He hasn't had particularly strong surface results since joining the team on Aug. 11, putting up a 5.27 ERA. However, he had a 0.95 WHIP with a 17:4 K:BB across 13.2 frames entering Thursday's contest, so the team may be willing to turn to him in high-leverage situations to close the campaign. Incumbent closer Ryan Pressly has struggled of late, allowing two earned runs across his last 3.1 frames.
Aug 11, 2020
Activated by Houston
Raley was activated by the Astros on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.
ANALYSIS
Raley was traded to the Astros on Sunday, and he'll officially join the major-league bullpen following Tuesday's move. The southpaw should pitch mainly in lower-leverage situations. To make room for Raley on the active roster, right-hander Carlos Sanabria was optioned to the team's alternate training site.
Aug 9, 2020
Traded to Astros
Raley was traded from the Reds to the Astros on Sunday in exchange for a player to be named later.
ANALYSIS
Raley was designated for assignment by the Reds on Thursday, but he'll remain in the majors as part of the Astros' pitching staff. Given the southpaw's struggles over his first four innings out of the bullpen this year, he'll likely be used mainly in lower-leverage situations in Houston. Right-hander Roberto Osuna (elbow) was transferred to the 45-day injured list in a corresponding move.
Aug 6, 2020
Designated for assignment
Raley was designated for assignment by the Reds on Thursday.
ANALYSIS
Raley made his return to the majors this season after spending the past five seasons in Korea, but he was inconsistent across four relief appearances with the Reds. Although he pitched a scoreless inning with one strikeout Wednesday against Cleveland, the southpaw will be removed from the 40-man roster. Raley recorded a 9.00 ERA, 1.75 WHIP and 6:2 K:BB over four innings as a reliever this year. Right-hander Jose De Leon was recalled from the Reds' alternate training site to take Raley's place in the bullpen.
Jul 30, 2020
Provides no relief
Raley was unable to retire any of the four batters he faced Wednesday in relief of Sonny Gray, allowing three runs on two hits and two walks.
ANALYSIS
When the Reds have to cut down from 30 to 28 and eventually 26 players on the roster, Raley is a good bet to not make the cut.
Jul 19, 2020
Contract selected by Reds
Raley's contract was selected by the Reds on Sunday.
ANALYSIS
Raley signed a minor-league contract with the Reds in January after spending the past five seasons pitching in the KBO. The southpaw last pitched in the majors with the Cubs in 2013 and posted a 5.14 ERA and 1.36 WHIP over 14 innings. Although his addition to the 40-man roster is an encouraging step in his comeback, Raley is unlikely to play a significant role for the major-league club this season.
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