SURPRISE, Ariz. -- D-backs left-hander Robbie Ray called it "a step forward." He prepared for it with a couple of longer bullpen sessions in which he worked toward fine-tuning his mechanics and timing.
This is the spring he attempts to build on a tremendous 2017 season that included his first All-Star appearance and his emergence as a key contributor in one of baseball's best rotations.
How do you improve on a 2.89 ERA and a 1.154 WHIP? That's what this Spring Training is about.