Robbie Ray was back on the mound Thursday night, pitching to live hitters in Visalia, Calif.

The lefty All-Star worked 4.2 innings for the Diamondbacks’ High-A affiliate, the Visalia Rawhide, against the Modesto Nuts and struck out 11 batters. He allowed four hits, two earned runs and walked two, but didn’t get much run support in a 4-1 loss.

In his first rehab start, #Dbacks southpaw Robbie Ray struck out 11 over 4 2/3 innings with @VisaliaRawhide. Box: https://t.co/ie8ck1VNKe pic.twitter.com/K76tIFXzZT

— MiLB.com (@MiLB) August 18, 2017

Modesto broke through on Ray in the fourth inning. After retiring the first two batters he faced in the frame, Ray allowed a single to Luis Liberato, then walked Rayder Ascanio. Donnie Walton then singled in Liberato.

In the fifth, the Nuts again struck with two outs. Ray walked Kyle Lewis and then was replaced by Colin Poche. Joey Curletta then doubled in Lewis, with the run being charged to Ray.

It was the first game action for Ray since July 28, when he exited in the second inning of a 1-0 loss to St. Louis after being struck in the head by a line drive off the bat of Luke Voit.

He did throw a simulated game at Chase Field on Aug. 12, and according to MLB.com, it went well.

I’m at the @VisaliaRawhide game, thanks to @RobbieRay for taking time out for the kids! Sean pic.twitter.com/SaMjFqteUD

— The Rattle (@TheRattleAZ) August 18, 2017

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