After a 14-game winning streak to open the season, the Tampa Bay Rays have been at the top of the standings for much of the first half, but recently lost ground to the Baltimore Orioles for the division lead.
On April 4 (ET), the Rays placed ace Shane McClanahan, 26, on the disabled list, according to local Tampa Bay media outlets such as the Tampa Bay Times.
This is due to a left forearm strain. There’s no word yet on how long he’ll be out, but it sounds like he could be out for the season at worst.
It’s also worth noting that a fairly high percentage of forearm injuries lead to elbow ligament splicing surgery (Tommy John surgery). This is even more concerning.
If McClanahan were to undergo Tommy John surgery at this point, he wouldn’t be able to return until the 2025 season. That’s a nightmare for Tampa Bay.
A left-handed starter in his third year in the majors, McClanahan is the type of pitcher who can overwhelm hitters with a fastball that reaches up to 100 mph. He made his debut in 2021 and has been outstanding ever since.
Last year, he pitched 166 1/3 innings in 28 games, going 12-8 with a 2.54 ERA and finishing sixth in the American League Cy Young Award.온라인바카라
This season, he was considered the favorite to win the Cy Young Award out of the gate, but has been on and off the disabled list with a sore back.
Prior to his injury, McClanahan had pitched 115 innings in 21 games, going 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA. He struck out 121 batters.
He was outstanding in the first half of the year, earning his second career All-Star selection, but the injury will make it difficult for him to reach the required number of innings.