Milwaukee Brewers: AFL check in on Corey Ray

PSA: If anyone finds Milwaukee Brewers top prospect Corey Ray’s hitting ability, please return it ASAP.

No doubt the upside is the still their for Ray. But since the start to his career with the Milwaukee Brewers, he appears to have forgotten how to hit. Again more jokes, but the struggle is still very real for the young outfielder.

In the Arizona Fall League it is more of the same so far for Ray.

He knocked an explosive double in is first at bat with the Salt River Rafters. However, since then, he has notched an 0 for 24 mark. Leaving his batting average thus far at .040. He has struck out six times so far. The only player with a lower batting average is Colorado’s Dom Nunez, who doesn’t have a hit through 15 less at bats than Ray.

But this is not an isolated incident. Awhile back I actually looked at Ray’s performance. And it is the same story now as it was then, there is little call for worry. At least yet. Going one for 25 is not good by any means, but his potential will eventually shine through.

Not every player can breeze through the minors to debut at 22 or 23 years old as a superstar. Some guys need time to develop. One poor season and poor start to the AFL does not a prospect make. There is still time for him to turn things around.

This brought up an interesting debate among all of the writers here at RtB. Is it time to try and still sell high on Ray? Because between Lewis Brinson, Brett Phillips, Keon Broxton(if he sticks around), and others, there is no need to try and wait for a struggling prospect. Ray could still provide plenty of value in return.

The other side to this is that the Milwaukee Brewers will not give up on a top pick after essentially one and a half rough seasons. Keep in mind the injury that delayed the start of Ray’s career as well. Things will still click, in theory.

Next: Could Jesus Aguilar be traded?

Whatever goes on, Ray will need to figure his bat out. His swing once brought excitement to the Milwaukee Brewers fans, but now brings with it questions. But there is no need to worry, because it is a good swing going through a rough patch. Struggles happen to all players, let’s just hope Ray can work it out soon.