Jon Gray faced fifteen batters yesterday. Seven batters too many. He gave up an unearned run in the first. From that point on, he let the Guardians earn them. 

He gave them a single, a walk, a double, and a single in the second for three runs. Then a walk, a double, and a home run in the third for three more before he was finally lifted.

Fifteen batters. Six hits. Two walks. Seven runs. And the Rangers were on their way to a 13-5 loss to Cleveland.

On June 12, after thirteen starts, Jon Gray’s ERA was 2.17. His next start he gave up nine runs. Two starts after that, eight. He gave up three runs his next two starts, but in just four innings then five innings. And, last night, he gave up six.

On August 25, Jon Gray’s ERA stands at 4.22, more than two runs per game higher. 

But this is who Jon Gray is. He has lifetime ERA of 4.43. To expect anything more is unreasonable. He signed a four-year deal in 2022 and has been mostly mediocre. His ERA+ numbers (a comparison to where a pitcher fits in with other pitchers) are 100, 102, and 93 this season. For comparison, 100 is average. Gray is your everyday major league starting pitcher. 

He is the poster boy for average. He’s not white. He’s not black. He’s gray.

*****  
TODAY’S GAME: