The Tampa Bay Rays picked up a needed win Friday night, knocking off the Texas Rangers 7-6 after dropping three of their previous four. But even with the victory, the bigger story out of Tampa Bay was the one that landed before first pitch: Shane McClanahan is headed to the injured list with forearm soreness.
That’s the kind of news that instantly changes the mood around a team. McClanahan’s injury history makes any setback feel heavier, and while the Rays are hoping this does not turn into something that ends his season, there’s no guarantee yet. For now, the only certainty is that Tampa Bay has to navigate the stretch run without him.
The timing matters. The American League East race is still tight, and the Rays have more on their mind than simply reaching the playoffs.
They want to do more than just get in. But losing a pitcher as important as McClanahan forces a recalibration, especially with a forearm issue attached to a player who has already missed so much time because of injuries.
There is still optimism that the left-hander can return in time to help in October. If he does, it would be a major boost. If he doesn’t, Tampa Bay will have to lean harder on the arms it has already assembled.
That makes the Freddy Peralta trade look even more valuable now. The right-hander has turned in two strong starts in a row, and his role could grow even more if McClanahan remains out. Nick Martinez and Drew Rasmussen will also be expected to keep doing what they have done well this season.
And if McClanahan is not available for the playoffs, the Rays would suddenly have a major question to solve in a seven-game series: the fourth starter spot. Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour are currently in the rotation, and the team could turn to both of them in that kind of scenario.
So while Tampa Bay is still holding out hope for McClanahan, the immediate reality is clear. The Rays’ rotation just took a hit, and the rest of the staff may have to carry more of the load until he’s ready again - if he gets there in time at all.
In Other News...
Rays Suddenly Have A Catching Decision That Could Matter To Miami
The Rays have put themselves in a much better spot behind the plate in a hurry, and Caden Bodine is a big reason why. The prospect has moved through four minor league levels in one season, flashing both the kind of bat and defensive skill set Tampa Bay has long needed from its catchers. For a franchise that has too often had to patch together offense at the position, that kind of rapid rise is notable on its own.
Add in the arrival of Liam Hicks in a trade, and suddenly the Rays have real depth and a decision to make as they look toward the next few seasons. It is the kind of competition that can help a club, especially one that has spent years trying to get more production from its catching group, and it also gives Tampa Bay another layer to consider as the season turns toward the stretch run and the wider implications around the division, including Miami, come into view. [Read more 🡒]
Garrett Cleavingers Slide Leaves Rays Watching One Small Detail
Garrett Cleavingers season has followed a familiar reliever arc for long stretches, but the August break in performance has been hard to miss. His ERA and FIP climbed sharply after a strong first half, even though the underlying shape of his delivery and his command metrics have stayed largely intact, leaving the Rays to sort through why the results suddenly turned south.
One answer seems to be hiding in the margins of where his fastball has lived. The pitch has drifted from its usual glove-side lane toward the arm side, and a higher BABIP has only made the damage look worse. If Tampa Bay can get the catchers setup nudged back into a better spot, theres hope Cleavinger can rediscover the fastball location that made him so effective earlier in the year. [Read more 🡒]
Aaron Judges Return Creates A New Problem Rays Fans Should Watch
Aaron Judge is back on the Yankees roster after being activated from the injured list, and his return matters well beyond New York. The slugger has not been in the lineup since May 31, and the Yankees are easing him back into action rather than throwing him right into a full workload, with the club trying to balance his health against its push toward October.
For the Rays, that creates a familiar kind of problem: one of the games most dangerous bats is suddenly back in the division, but not necessarily all the way back to normal yet. Judge skipped a minor-league rehab assignment, so his timing and workload will be worth tracking right away, especially for Tampa Bay as it keeps tabs on a rival that could look a lot different once he is fully settled in. [Read more 🡒]