Rays manager shares big news on star pitcher
Oct 7, 2019; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash (16) talks with media after game three of the 2019 ALDS playoff baseball series at Tropicana Field. The Tampa Bay Rays won 10-3. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash on Tuesday announced some big news about star pitcher Shane McClanahan.
McClanahan has not pitched since experiencing forearm tightness during a start against the New York Yankees last week. McClanahan was placed on the 15-day injured list and has since undergone testing and evaluations.
Though we do not know exactly what kind of treatment McClanahan will need, Cash said that the pitcher is likely out for the season.
#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
Cash said that Tommy John surgery, flexor surgery and a procedure to remove loose bodies are all possible.
#Rays Cash said “everything is on the table” for McClanahan, which includes Tommy John surgery, flexor surgery, and loose body removal. Cash acknowledged “he’s going to be down for a while.” But that a final decision won’t be made until Monday visit with Dr. Meister
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) August 8, 2023
McClanahan was one of the best pitchers in the American League prior to his injury. An All-Star for the second year in a row, McClanahan was 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA this season. Since making his MLB debut in 2021, the southpaw has gone 33-16 with a 3.02 ERA.
The Rays will need Tyler Glasnow to return from his back injury. Their acquisition of Aaron Civale also now seems to be very well timed.