Shane McClanahan Out Through Regular Season

Shane McClanahan, who’s been on the 15-day injured list since September 4th with left forearm tightness, will not return in the regular season, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. He is currently still limited to playing catch. Manager Kevin Cash told Topkin and others that McClanahan had “a good day” playing catch on Friday, but did not provide a timeline on the lefty’s return.

Tampa Bay has already clinched a playoff spot and will likely be the American League’s top seed. That will allow them to bypass the Wild Card Series and begin their postseason with the Division Series on October 3rd. The first-round bye gives McClanahan a little extra time, though with his timeline still being vague, the Rays may be preparing their pitching staff as though he won’t be in play for the Division Series.

Drew Rasmussen has accrued 4.7 fWAR in 2026 while cementing himself as the club’s ace and likely Game 1 starter. Nick Martinez and Griffin Jax are having solid years behind him. The same is true of McClanahan himself. Having missed all of 2024-25 due to Tommy John surgery and a nerve issue, the now 29-year-old McClanahan has delivered a 3.36 ERA in 118 innings this year.

His 21.8% strikeout rate is down from his previous numbers, but the lefty’s 8.0% walk rate, 31.6% chase rate, and 44.2% ground ball rate are all above league average. Although he’s made two trips to the IL, the first for left mid-back tightness, he’s still managed to accrue 2.4 fWAR, making him the Rays’ third-most valuable starter behind Rasmussen and Martinez.

With McClanahan still out of the picture, the Rays’ playoff rotation for a seven-game series will include Rasmussen, Martinez, Freddy Peralta, and one of Jax or Ian Seymour. Jax has performed capably as a converted reliever, while Seymour has been good, but not great as a starter/bulk reliever. If the Rays advance to the Championship Series, McClanahan could slot in with Rasmussen, Martinez, and Peralta while bumping Jax and Seymour to the bullpen. He won’t be at full capacity, as he will have missed a month of action without any minor league rehab appearances in the interim.