Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher Shane McClanahan Unlikely to Return this Season Due to Forearm Tightness
Tampa Bay Rays starter Shane McClanahan is facing a disappointing setback in his season. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed on Tuesday that McClanahan is “highly unlikely” to pitch again this season after seeking medical attention for forearm tightness. The 26-year-old lefty will see another specialist to determine the best course of action, which may include Tommy John surgery, flexor surgery, or loose body removal.
While surgery is an option, Cash emphasized that McClanahan’s recovery will require time regardless of the chosen treatment. The young pitcher’s injury adds to a series of recent setbacks for the Tampa Bay Rays’ pitching rotation. Last week, McClanahan was placed on the 15-day injured list after being pulled from his last start against the New York Yankees due to the forearm issue.
Concerns are growing for McClanahan, who previously underwent Tommy John surgery during his college years. The Athletic’s instant analysis suggests that McClanahan’s hope is to avoid a full reconstructive surgery, as he only fully rehabbed from his initial surgery a couple of years ago. Despite emerging as one of the league’s top starting pitchers in recent years, McClanahan has struggled with arm and shoulder issues due to the high-stress nature of his pitching.
The loss of McClanahan also poses a significant blow to the Tampa Bay Rays. Once regarded as the top team in the league, the Rays have regressed since their hot start and are now three games behind the Baltimore Orioles in the American League East division. With Tyler Glasnow also battling back troubles, the Rays are in dire need of top-end pitching. Although they acquired Aaron Civale at the trade deadline, injuries have plagued Civale as well, leaving uncertainty surrounding the team’s pitching situation.
Critics question whether the team’s consistently high number of pitcher injuries is a result of bad luck or their specific pitching strategy. The Rays lead the league in terms of pitches thrown over 97 mph, pitches over 2700 rpm, and breaking balls over 88 mph. While these factors may be contributing to the injuries, the Rays seemed to have accepted the risk when acquiring players with injury histories, such as McClanahan, who had previously undergone Tommy John surgery in college.
The injury to McClanahan elicits mixed emotions from fans and analysts. While there is sadness for the player and the team, there is also a sense of resignation considering the league- and team-wide strategies that may have contributed to this situation.
McClanahan, a two-time All-Star, has been a key player for the Rays this season, boasting a 3.29 ERA over 21 starts and 115 innings. He was a Cy Young Award finalist last season with a remarkable 2.54 ERA across 28 starts.
With a record of 68-46, the Tampa Bay Rays currently occupy the second place in the AL East and are in line for a wild-card berth.
This injury is a significant setback for McClanahan and the Rays, and fans hope for a smooth recovery for the promising young pitcher.