Rays Make Trade With Astros After Shane McClanahan News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 3:12 PM ET

The Houston Astros enter Friday atop the American League West standings. Owning a 4.5 game lead over the second place Seattle Mariners and Los Angeles Angels, the Astros look primed for another postseason appearance.

Unlike in previous years, the American League projects to be much more wide open in October. While a few teams have separated themselves as division leaders, there are several others in the Wild Card mix who also look to have deep playoff aspirations.

Among these teams is the Tampa Bay Rays, who currently own the final American League Wild Card spot with a 36-32 record entering Friday.

On Friday, the Astros and Rays made a trade. It was first reported by Brian McTaggart of MLB.com that Houston had agreed to deal right-handed pitcher Forrest Whitley to Tampa Bay. The return was not initially reported.

"Source: The Astros have traded RHP Forrest Whitley to the Rays," he wrote.

Source: The Astros have traded RHP Forrest Whitley to the Rays.
— Brian McTaggart (@brianmctaggart) June 13, 2025

This news comes after it was reported earlier this week that Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan is seeing another nerve specialist as he works his way back from left triceps nerve irritation ( via MLB.com). The two-time All-Star has not pitched in an MLB game since 2023, and with his return potentially pushed back, the Rays have added some pitching depth in this move with Houston.

For his carer, Whitley owns an 8.44 ERA in just 10.2 innings pitched at the MLB level. He has appeared in five games this season, surrendering 10 earned runs in 7.1 innings pitched. He was selected 17th overall in the 2016 MLB Draft.

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

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