The Booty Report

Arrr, me hearties! Shane McClanahan, a mighty ace of the Rays, be settin' sail for Tommy John surgery. Set yer course for 2025, matey!

2023-08-16

Avast, me hearties! 'Tis with a heavy heart I share tidings of Shane McClanahan, the Tampa Bay Rays' fierce leader of the pitching crew, set to undergo the dreaded Tommy John surgery. He may be marooned ashore throughout the year 2024. Shiver me timbers!

Last week, Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash made the grim declaration that it was highly unlikely Shane McClanahan, the team's ace left-handed pitcher, would play again this season. However, it seems that McClanahan's absence will not only extend through the rest of this year, but also the entirety of the next season. Cash revealed to reporters on Wednesday that McClanahan will undergo Tommy John surgery. The decision comes after McClanahan landed on the 15-day injured list due to tightness in his throwing forearm, a sign of potentially more serious issues to come. This marks McClanahan's fourth trip to the IL in his three-year career, and his second this season alone.

Prior to his injury, McClanahan boasted an impressive record of 11-2 with a 3.26 ERA. In his most recent start against the struggling New York Yankees, he allowed five earned runs in four innings. Despite his remarkable performance, McClanahan's time on the field has been plagued by setbacks, including a left shoulder impingement last season.

Unfortunately, McClanahan's case adds to the list of injured players for the Rays, as they have already lost Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen to Tommy John surgery earlier this year. Although Tampa Bay had a strong start to the season, winning their first 13 games and going 30-9 in their first 39, they have since struggled, posting a 42-40 record. In July, they had the second-worst record in MLB with 8 wins and 16 losses. Despite their recent struggles, the Rays currently hold the first wild card spot and have a comfortable 5.5 game lead for a postseason berth. Nonetheless, McClanahan's absence will undoubtedly be a blow to the team's pitching rotation and their hopes for a successful postseason run.

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