Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan. Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Rays may have to change Opening Day plans with Shane McClanahan

By Kevin Henry | Last updated Mar 22, 2025 3:04 PM ET

Opening Day was already going to be an adventure for the Tampa Bay Rays after being forced to begin the season in a new stadium primarily used for spring training and minor league games. However, after Saturday's events, what happens on Opening Day with the Rays may be even more up in the air.

Shane McClanahan, scheduled to be the Opening Day starter for the Rays when they take on the Colorado Rockies at George M. Steinbrenner Field on March 28, left his start on Saturday against the Boston Red Sox with trainers after experiencing discomfort in his left arm following a pitch.

#Rays ace Shane McClanahan just left this game accompanied by head trainer Joe Benge. Here’s video of his final pitch, showing some serious discomfort. He immediately signaled toward the dugout. Will update when I know more. pic.twitter.com/dnhY8KPBTV
— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) March 22, 2025

The 27-year-old McClanahan underwent his second Tommy John surgery on Aug. 21, 2023. He did not pitch during the 2024 campaign and was expected to return to the mound against the Rockies on March 28. However, that anticipated return may now be on hold.

Rays manager Kevin Cash told the Rays radio network that the injury was in the triceps area, and imaging would be done on Sunday to determine the severity.

Playing at Steinbrenner Field, Tampa Bay requested an extra day to ensure the stadium had been properly switched over from the spring training home of the New York Yankees to their regular-season home for the 2025 season. The Rays and Rockies will be the only MLB teams to not play on March 27 because of the time needed for revisions at Steinbrenner Field, Tampa Bay's home this season after Hurricane Milton severely damaged Tropicana Field, the home of the Rays since the 1990 season.

Saturday was McClanahan's final spring start. Including Saturday's outing (which lasted just 2.1 innings), McClanahan made three starts totaling 7.0 innings, allowing five hits and no runs.

Kevin Henry

A member of the Baseball Writers Association of America (BBWAA), Kevin Henry has been covering MLB and MiLB for nearly two decades. Those assignments have included All-Star Games and the MLB postseason, including the World Series. Based in the Denver area, Kevin calls Coors Field his home base, but travels throughout North America during the season to discover the best stories possible

More must-reads: