The Rays placed left-hander Shane McClanahan on the 15-day injured list last week. After a left forearm tightness, it seems he may be out well beyond those 15 days.
McClanahan is currently 26 years old and will finish this season with his service time count at two years and 158 days.
According to manager Kevin Cash, surgery is possible and it is “highly unlikely” the southpaw will pitch again this year. Cash adds that’s “everything is on the table,” including Tommy John surgery, flexor tendon surgery or the removal of loose bodies.
#Rays Cash said surgery is a possibility for McClanahan and it is “highly unlikely” he will pitch again this season, though he will see another specialist before making any decisions.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 8, 2023
This year, the club has already lost Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs, who have undergone season-ending surgery. Josh Fleming is also on the 60-day injured list alongside those two.
One of the best pitchers in the game in recent years, McClanahan has tossed 404 2/3 innings, allowing just 3.02 earned runs per nine innings. He also finished seventh in American League Rookie of the Year voting two years ago and then was sixth in Cy Young voting last year.
Those injuries have potential to ruin the team’s season, which started out with a 13-game winning streak and were in first place in the AL East for much of the season.
Without their best pitcher, one with concerns and with the trade deadline now in the rear-view mirror, the Rays will have limited options to supplement the group. Prospect Taj Bradley could be recalled from the minors, though his first 16 major league starts resulted in a 5.67 ERA. The Rays could also try to acquire players from outside the organization.
