The line of succession starts with left-hander Robbie Ray, the most likely and most deserving candidate to take the role previously occupied by franchise stalwarts Randy Johnson, Curt Schilling, Brandon Webb and Dan Haren, like Greinke all multiple all-stars.

While Houston, the Yankees, Milwaukee and St. Louis were among the many teams expressing some level of interest before the deadline, Ray appeared greatly unfazed when his name was prominent on the national radar.

He was 4-1 with a 3.26 ERA in five July starts, and his peripherals during that time — 44 strikeouts, nine walks in 30 1/3 innings — underscored his ability to focus.

It is safe to say the Diamondbacks, who have one more year of control of Ray before he could test free agency, were impressed, another indication that he fits their long-term strategy.

Ray, 27, has worked with pitching coach Mike Butcher and made strides toward maintaining his mechanics and finding a rhythm, which have enabled him to have a more consistent release point.

ASSOCIATED PRESS“Zack casts a large shadow, but the way Robbie has performed here over the past few years, he is definitely a guy you can count on no matter what,” Arizona catcher Alex Avila said.