Rays Demote Player After Shane McClanahan's Activation

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Rays Demote Player After Shane McClanahan's Activation

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nicholas Covone | Last updated Aug 17, 2026 4:52 PM ET

The Tampa Bay Rays have a choke hold on the American League East Division despite the crowed playoff scene within.

The Rays sit 5.5 games up on the Yankees for first place in the division, but as of Monday, four of the five teams hold a playoff spot.

This dominance has continued for the Rays even through their plethora of pitching injuries, but they are about to get one of the game's best back.

On Monday, the team announced that left-handed pitcher Shane McClanahan has been reinstated from the 15-day injured list following his troubles with left mid-back tightness.

The Tampa Bay Rays have reinstated LHP Shane McClanahan (left mid-back tightness) from the 15-day IL and optioned RHP Joe Boyle to Triple-A Durham.
— Rays Communications (@RaysPR) August 17, 2026

In his 20 starts, McClanahan is pitching to a 3.09 ERA with 91 strikeouts, 35 walks and a 1.12 WHIP in 99 innings pitched.

As the corresponding move, the Rays decided to demote right-handed pitcher Joe Boyle to Triple-A Durham.

Despite his excellent strikeout numbers, Boyle struggled with the big league club in his four games for them in 2026.

He pitched to a 5.21 ERA with 21 strikeouts, nine walks and a 1.16 WHIP in 19 innings pitched.

The 27-year-old has great fastball velocity (97.3 MPH) while limiting barrels and striking out a ton of batters.

His command issues and low chase rates have been the core of his struggles, if he is able to readjust, he could be a valuable asset in the Rays' pitching lab.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: