The Tampa Bay Rays might have to finish the 2023 MLB season without their ace Shane McClanahan. Speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Rays’ manager Kevin Cash said that McClanahan is “highly unlikely” to pitch again this year while he’s dealing with a forearm injury.
McClanahan landed on the Injured List last season after experiencing forearm tightness. He has met with several specialists since then in order to determine the best route forward.
According to Cash, it is possible that McClanahan will have to undergo surgery but is waiting for more opinions before making the final decision.
Shane McClanahan went 11-2 in his 21 starts this season, posting a 3.29 ERA with 121 strikeouts. He has been one of the catalysts for the Rays’ surprisingly good form this season and went on to earn his second career All-Star nod.
Losing McClanahan for the season will deal a tough blow to the Rays, who already have a depleted rotation. The team’s injured list includes Shane Baz, Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs, and Josh Fleming, while Tyler Glasnow is dealing with back spasms and had to miss his scheduled start over the weekend.
If the Rays’ pitching staff doesn’t get any healthier soon, the team will have to get creative with filling out their rotation. One of the moves they could make is promoting prospect Taj Bradley, who has already pitched in 16 games this season.
