In what is another huge blow to the Tampa Bay Rays starting rotation, it appears that the Rays ace will not see the field again this regular season. It is possible for McClanahan to make a return during the postseason as he was transferred this afternoon. The Rays reinstated left handed pitcher Josh Fleming from the 60-day injured list as well. The loss of McClanahan marks the fourth of the five original Rays Opening Day Rotation joining Drew Rasmussen, Jeffrey Springs and the newly returned Josh Fleming of players on the 60-day injured list/out for the season. Zach Efflin is the only one that has escaped injury.

McClanahan was already placed on the 15-day injured list after exiting the game against the New York Yankees in the fourth inning on August 2nd. He threw 82 pitches giving up 5 earned runs, on 5 hits and 2 homeruns. 

Last Thursday, McClanahan flew back to Tampa Bay to meet with the team’s orthopedic physician Dr. Koco Eaton, and on Monday was seen by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, an elbow injury specialist. In the hopes of more clarity, McClanahan will head to Texas on Monday, August 14th, and meet with Dr. Keith Meister

Rays Manager Kevin Cash said, “probably everything’s on the table,” for McClanahan as after Monday’s meeting, McClanahan can possibly get Tommy John surgery, flexor surgery or loose body removal. “Surgery is certainly an option, but I don’t want to get too far ahead…I think in fairness to Mac and to us, he’s going to be down for a little while,” Cash added on. 

Before the injury bug got him, McClanahan was a huge contender for the American League Cy Young award this season. In his first 17 starts he went 11-1 with an AL leading 2.53 ERA and 101 strikeouts. On July 1st McClanahan hit the injured list with mid-back tightness and did not start again until July 17th. In his last 4 starts, McClanahan had a 7.11 ERA giving up 15 earned runs in 19 innings pitched. He gave up 4 homeruns and collected 20 strikeouts.

The Rays rotation will move forward with Tyler Glasnow and Zach Eflin at the helm, with Aaron Civale, who the Rays acquired from the Cleveland Guardians at the trade deadline. Zack Littell and Josh Fleming, seemingly will be the fourth and fifth arm in the rotation as well Taj Bradley being in the mix. The Rays are well known for having bullpen days, providing extra help if Cash sees fit.