CLEARWATER, FL - MARCH 06: Tampa Bay Rays Pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) delivers a pitch to the plate during the spring training game between the Tampa Bay Rays and the Philadelphia Phillies on March 06, 2025 at BayCare Ballpark in Clearwater, Florida. (Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
The Tampa Bay Rays will be without Shane McClanahan to start the 2025 season, as the left-handed ace has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to nerve irritation in his left triceps. The injury occurred during his spring training start against the Boston Red Sox on March 22, when McClanahan showed discomfort after a pitch in the third inning.
The good news for Tampa Bay is that tests revealed no structural damage, meaning McClanahan has avoided a serious setback after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Manager Kevin Cash is now more optimistic about the situation than he initially was, calling it “probably the best news we could have heard.” However, the team is being cautious and will give McClanahan time to fully recover before bringing him back.
McClanahan has been one of the Rays’ best pitchers, earning two All-Star selections and posting a career 33-16 record with a 3.02 ERA over three seasons. He hasn’t pitched in a major league game since August 2023, after undergoing Tommy John surgery that kept him out for all of 2024.
With McClanahan sidelined, the Rays will roll with Ryan Pepiot as their Opening Day starter.
While McClanahan’s return date remains uncertain, the Rays are hopeful he’ll be back sooner rather than later. For now, the Rays and fantasy managers will have to adjust and find ways to keep their rotation strong until he returns.
