Rays starting pitcher McLanahan left early with triceps discomfort and will undergo imaging tests

At Charlotte Sports Park on Saturday, Shane McClanahan's spring training finale got off to a great start: the speedball was steady above 95mph, the changing ball was confusing for Red Sox hitters, and the pitching was extremely efficient. However, in the third inning, McClanahan threw the ball with his left arm drooping and turned away in pain. The Rays then announced that his left triceps was tight and would undergo an imaging test.

"It's very unfortunate," coach Kevin Cash said after his side's 14-2 thrashing, "and he'll be out for a while and we'll have a clearer verdict when the results come out." "

McClanahan has just recovered from last season's second Tommy John surgery, and this season's spring training showed the power of the fireball from his debut in the 2020 playoffs and locked in the opener. Teammate Josh Lowe said: "It took a lot of effort for him to get back on the field and it's heartbreaking to miss the opening game now. But I'm sure he can overcome everything. "

McClanahan's last regular-season appearance was against the Yankees on Aug. 2, 2023, when he left the court with a tight forearm after just four innings and underwent surgery on Aug. 21. Although the recovery period is usually 12 to 14 months, the recovery time for a second surgery is more difficult to predict.

The Rays originally had six starting pitchers (McClanahan, Drew Rasmussen, Zack Littell, Ryan Pepiot, Shane Baz, and Taj Bradley) competing for five spots, with the sixth man likely to move to the long relay. Now that McClanahan is out injured, the team needs to reassess the rotation schedule.

"The 162-game season is full of unknown challenges and we have to be ready to adjust. Although it was not officially announced, the remaining five pitchers could all start the opening game. The simplest option would be to bring the rotation forward by a day, but Kash said the final decision would be announced at a later date.

"McClanahan is frustrated," Cash admits, "and it's sad to be out of the game considering the rehabilitation he's been going through and the health of the two months of spring training." Hopefully, it's just a brief truce. "

With the Rays set to head north for the regular season, McClanahan's injury has cast a shadow over an otherwise smooth spring training. In Friday's opening game against the Rockies, the team will have to welcome the new season in the absence of aces.