It appears that Shane McClanahan’s return to pitching this year is now off the table.
According to Rays manager Kevin Cash, McClanahan underwent a surgical procedure on Monday to address nerve issues in his left triceps. This surgery concludes his season. McClanahan has been in recovery following Tommy John surgery performed in August 2023, and he hasn’t pitched in a Major League game since then.
The Rays will now be without one of their key starting pitchers for two complete seasons.
“I understand his frustration,” Cash mentioned, as reported by MLB.com. “We are all feeling frustrated and disappointed as well, but we’re hoping this will alleviate the nerve issue.”
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McClanahan last pitched in the Major Leagues on August 2, 2023. Despite being healthy at the start of spring training earlier in the year and appearing ready to return, he didn’t due to what the team described as an unusual nerve problem in his triceps.
McClanahan seemed to be progressing through his injury recovery in recent months, participating in several minor league games with the FCL Rays in July. However, this recent setback requires another surgery. Cash stated that there’s no certainty that this surgery will completely resolve the nerve issue.
“This is just one step, and we’ll observe the results, hoping for positive outcomes,” Cash explained. “If we don’t see the desired results, we’ll let the doctors determine the next steps.”
During the 2023 season, McClanahan recorded a 3.29 ERA with an 11-2 record across 21 starts. That season, the left-handed pitcher earned his second All-Star selection.
The absence of McClanahan has had a noticeable impact on the Rays’ performance this season, especially in recent times. As they approached Monday night’s game against the Athletics, the team had a 57-62 record, placing them fourth in the AL East standings. They’ve suffered losses in nine of their last 12 games and are currently on track to miss the playoffs for the second consecutive season. However, their starting pitchers have maintained a 3.73 ERA, positioning them in the upper third of the league.
While McClanahan has ample time to recover and strengthen his arm before spring training next season, the prolonged absence from games and the ongoing concern with his pitching arm raise significant worries for the Rays.
