By Miguel Mike Medina
Photo Credit: Tampa Bay Times
Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan will not pitch for the Rays this year after undergoing season-ending surgery to address a long-lingering nerve problem.
The 28-year-old will be on the injury list for the eighth time in his career. McClanahan started having durability issues in 2021, but they’ve been consistent since 2022. He has endured many injuries, such as forearm, neck, and back problems.
McClanahan is such a talented pitcher. It’s always unfortunate when his name comes up, and not for good reasons. He’s vital to the Rays’ rotation, and when they need his services, he won’t be able to help the team get out of the funk.
The Rays are 58-62, currently in fourth place in the AL East. The team has lost 6 of their last 10 games. They’re also 5.5 games back for the last spot in the wild card. The Rays are struggling both offensively and pitching-wise.
McClanahan went 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA with 121 strikeouts in the 2023 season. He made the All-Star team in 2022 and 2023.
The Rays can hope he can return next season and be the All-Star player he was a few seasons ago. It’s a serious injury. The Rays can’t rush him back on the mound unless they take desperate measures and trade him.
Miguel Mike Medina is the publisher of The MMM Journal. He can be reached at medinamiguelmike@gmail.com and themmmjournal@gmail.com
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