the Giants’ Ace?

Robbie Ray’s 2025 season with the San Francisco Giants was supposed to be a triumphant return. The 2021 AL Cy Young winner, acquired from Seattle in a blockbuster trade, brought his electric fastball and devastating slider to Oracle Park, raising hopes for a deep playoff run. But in a recent 7-3 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 14, 2025, Ray’s command faltered, surrendering five runs in four innings, including two wild pitches and a three-run homer to Max Muncy. The outing sparked a firestorm on X, with fans speculating about a hidden injury or a “curse” plaguing the Giants’ postseason aspirations. As San Francisco fights for a wild-card spot, Ray’s struggles have become a puzzle that could define their season.

Ray’s woes are a stark contrast to his early-season form. After missing most of 2023 and 2024 recovering from Tommy John surgery, the 33-year-old southpaw returned with a 3.42 ERA and 148 strikeouts in 118 innings through August. His high-90s fastball and wipeout slider made him the anchor of a rotation alongside Logan Webb. But September has been unkind. In his last three starts, Ray’s ERA ballooned to 6.75, with 12 walks and only 14 strikeouts. Against the Dodgers, his pitches sailed high, and his usually sharp slider hung, leading to costly mistakes. “It’s frustrating,” Ray admitted postgame. “I’m not locating like I need to, but I’m healthy and working through it.”

Theories abound on X. Some fans point to lingering effects of his 2023 elbow surgery, noting that velocity dips and command issues often signal fatigue in post-Tommy John pitchers. Others whisper of a “curse,” citing the Giants’ string of late-season injuries, including Blake Snell’s recent hamstring tweak. Manager Bob Melvin dismissed the speculation, insisting Ray is “physically fine” and dealing with mechanical issues. “He’s tweaking his delivery,” Melvin said. “Robbie’s a fighter. He’ll figure it out.” Still, with the Giants at 79-68, clinging to a one-game lead for the final NL wild-card spot, every start is magnified.

Ray’s mental toughness is unquestioned. The former Blue Jay and Mariner thrives under pressure, famously pitching through a cracked rib in 2021 to lead Toronto to contention. But the Dodgers game exposed vulnerabilities. His fastball, once a precision weapon, missed spots, and his body language betrayed frustration. Teammate Wilmer Flores remains optimistic, noting Ray’s leadership in the clubhouse. “He’s still our guy,” Flores said. “One bad start doesn’t change that.” Ray spent the off-day on September 15 analyzing film with pitching coach Danny Farquhar, focusing on hip alignment to restore his command.

As the Giants face a critical series against the Padres, Ray’s next start looms large. A rebound could silence doubters and propel San Francisco toward October. A repeat performance, however, might fuel the “curse” narrative and jeopardize their postseason hopes. Ray, ever stoic, brushes off the noise. “I’ve been through worse,” he said. “It’s about making pitches when it counts.” With the season on the line, the Giants need their ace to rediscover his Cy Young form, proving that neither injury nor myth can keep him from the mound.