As the Tampa Bay Rays make their way in the AL East, their pitching lineup gets hit with another bad news as their ace Shane McClanahan’s injury sidelines him for another season. With a crucial series against the Athletics on the horizon, this new setback for their star left-hander may affect the rotation and their future strategies.
Rays’ Shane McClanahan Undergoes Surgery, Out for Rest of Season
McClanahan has been absent since August 2, 2023. Recently, he underwent a procedure on Monday to address a nerve issue in his left triceps. Manager Kevin Cash confirmed, “I know he’s frustrated. We’re all frustrated and disappointed by that, but hopefully there’s some relief to the nerve area.”
Shane McClanahan will not pitch for the Rays this year after undergoing season-ending surgery to address a long-lingering nerve problem. pic.twitter.com/DF6dg1yJEx
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 12, 2025
The surgery, performed by Dr. Steven Shin, aimed to “clean up around the nerve” but isn’t a definitive fix, with Cash noting, “Dr. Shin is not sitting there saying, like, ‘He’s fixed.’ That’s not the case. This is one step, and we’ll see how this goes, and hopefully, we’ll get good results. If we don’t, then we’ll let doctors decide what else is needed, if anything.”
Rehab Setbacks and Uncertain Recovery
McClanahan, a two-time All-Star (2022, 2023) and 2022 AL Cy Young sixth-place finisher, began 2025 on the 15-day IL due to triceps nerve inflammation; he later moved to the 60-day IL.
His rehab, including starts in the Florida Complex League and Triple-A, stalled in July due to biceps tendinitis. Cash noted McClanahan “felt OK, nothing great” after a 60-foot catch session on July 28.
The procedure, which does not involve bone or structure, should restore mobility quickly, but Cash is optimistic, saying, “There’s little likelihood that it will resolve the issue for good.”
Potential Impact on Rays’ Rotation
McClanahan’s 3.02 ERA and 456 strikeouts over 404.2 innings, including a 2.54 ERA in 2022, made him a cornerstone of the Rays’ rotation during his time. His absence since his second Tommy John surgery in August 2023 has undoubtedly left a mark on the Rays’ rotation.
With no clear timeline for recovery, the Rays face a second full season without McClanahan, straining their depth as they trail in the AL East.
MORE: Blue Jays, Dodgers Among Likely Landing Spots for 24-Year-Old Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher
Ultimately, the Rays’ 58-62 record could have benefited from McClanahan’s experience and skills. As the Rays battle the Athletics, their rotation’s resilience will be tested.
McClanahan’s uncertain recovery dims hopes for a 2026 comeback, forcing the Rays to lean on prospects and veterans to salvage a fading postseason bid in a competitive AL East.
