Arizona Diamondbacks – ‘200’ was magical for Ray, Segura

Two members of the Arizona Diamondbacks each reached a significant plateau

In a season littered with dashed hopes and broken dreams, one number stands alone for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

That would be, 200.

From an offensive and defensive vantage, the number, achieved by infielder Jean Segura and pitcher Robbie Ray, could hold an important significance. That’s because each player achieved to a certain level, and decision-makers of the Arizona Diamondbacks hope these numbers can carry over, and possibly increase, during the 2017 season.

In 2016, Segura became only the second player in franchise history to reach 200 hits in one season. Coming into play Friday at home against San Diego, Segura had 201 hits and with three games remaining, has an opportunity to break the club record. That’s held by Luis Gonzalez, who had 206 hits in 1999. Coming into Friday’s game, he is hitting .320 and that is the fifth highest average in in the majors. At this point, Segura is one point behind the Reds’ Joey Votto (.321)

“This year, I’ve been a little more aggressive, swing the bat and take that fastball down the middle and try to put a good swing on it,” he told MLB.com. “Last series in Baltimore (Sept. 23-25), I hesitated too much to swing the bat. I came to this series to be aggressive. That’s why I’m here and that’s why I’m hitting at the top of the lineup, because I’m one of those guys who is always going to be aggressive.”

Starting with a .469 (30-for-54) spring training batting average, Segura arrived at Salt River destined to have a superlative year. That’s coming off a .257 season a year ago with the Brewers and 144 hits. Not only has Segura hit for average, but also with power. His 40 doubles, 20 home runs and 64 RBIs are all career bests. Plus, Segura chipped in 31 stolen bases, and that is the second highest in his major league career.

In Ray’s case, the glass could be considered half-filled. In 32 starts this season, Ray fanned 218 hitters, and that’s the ninth best season for an Arizona pitcher in franchise history. The 218 Ks ties the Mets’ Noah Syndergaard for ninth place among major league pitchers for the 2016 season.

Over the course of the campaign, Ray developed a high-powered fast ball, but his secondary pitches remain works in progress. Ray continues to be plagued by high pitch counts, and turned in only 10 quality starts among his 32 starts this season.

While Ray says numbers are not terribly vital, he finished the season with an 8-15 record The 15 losses tied a franchise mark established by Brandon Webb in 2004, and equaled by Rodrigo Lopez in 2010.