Robbie Ray's New Changeup: A Game-Changer Thanks to Tarik Skubal

Robbie Ray, the veteran pitcher, decided to reach out to Tigers ace Tarik Skubal after witnessing his playoff dominance last season. Ray texted the reigning American League Cy Young and Triple Crown winner, asking if Skubal would share his changeup grip. To Ray's delight, Skubal was more than willing to help, sending pictures, videos, and detailed instructions. The two left-handers kept in touch throughout the winter, with Ray diligently working on perfecting the pitch. Ray acknowledged, "I’ve always struggled with throwing a changeup, and I don’t pronate very well. The way that he taught me, you don't have to. It seems to be working pretty well."
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Ray finally debuted his new changeup in the Giants’ 7-5 loss to the A’s at Hohokam Stadium on Tuesday afternoon. Despite relying primarily on his fastball-slider combination, the 33-year-old mixed in a handful of changeups during his two scoreless innings, striking out three batters. Ray was pleased with the results, attributing much of his success to Skubal's guidance. By incorporating this new pitch into his arsenal, Ray hopes to enhance his effectiveness on the mound and continue to be a formidable presence in the league.