There’s something we need to discuss.
Since Jon Gray gave up four runs on seven hits while recording just four outs in the 2017 NL Wild Card Game, a narrative has taken off that he can’t handle the big moments, and that he’s “mentally weak.” Gray’s extremely tough 2018 season didn’t help put this storyline to bed, either.
First, let’s dig into the numbers. When it was all said and done, he finished last year with an ERA of 5.12 in 31 starts. He threw 172.1 innings in those 31 starts, struck out 183 hitters and walked 53, one of which was intentional.