Reports emerged on Tuesday afternoon that Tampa Bay Pitcher Shane McClanahan is "highly likely" to miss the remainder of the season per Rays Manager Kevin Cash. McClanahan was placed on the 15-day IL due to forearm tightness after exiting his start on Aug. 6, but it's looking like the All Star pitcher may be heading down the road to Tommy John surgery.
McClanahan has led the Rays as the undeniable ace. In 21 starts, McClanahan has produced an 11-2 record, a 3.29 ERA, and a 1.18 WHIP. McClanahan becomes just the next domino to fall in Tampa. The Rays already have lost RHP Drew Rasmussen to an internal brace procedure, sidelining him until the middle of next season. LHP Jeffery Springs and Shane Baz also was ruled out for the year before we even flipped the calendar to May due to Tommy John. RHP Tyler Glasnow has not missed any serious time, but he was scratched from the rotation on Sunday against the Tigers due to back spasms.
That's just in the starting group, the injuries have also stretched to the bullpen. Josh Fleming is working his way back off of the 60-day IL with an elbow injury which sidelined him in May. Andrew Kittredge is also in the farm system on rehab assignment with the goal of returning at the end of the month, and Garret Cleavinger is expected to be out until Spring Training 2024.
The Ryas rotation currently consists of only two true starters: newly acquired Aaron Civale, and Zac Eflin. Remember, this team, started 13-0 and was the first team to 20 wins, 30 wins, 40 wins, and 50 wins. Tampa now sits at 68-46; 3.0 games back from the Baltimore Orioles in the American League. This season is going down a spiral, and it's going down fast.