The Tampa Bay Rays just locked up the AL East title, their first since 2021, grabbing an automatic ticket to the ALDS as a top-three American League team. But the celebration just got a major hit: veteran left-hander Shane McClanahan is officially out for the first round of the postseason. This isn’t just a tough break, it’s a full-on gut punch for a team with championship aspirations.
The Ace Is Sidelined, Again
Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times dropped the news on X, citing Rays manager Cash, who confirmed that McClanahan, dealing with left forearm tightness, isn’t in play for the ALDS roster. The door isn’t completely shut for later rounds, but for now, their ace is sidelined. This isn’t McClanahan’s first battle with injuries either. He missed the entire 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery, and then a nerve issue in his triceps prior to the 2025 season forced him out for that entire year. He battled back to make 24 starts this season, posting a 3.36 ERA and striking out a career-low 21.8% of batters. Look, the fact is, the Rays are a better team with McClanahan on the mound. Losing a veteran arm like his right before the postseason is absolutely brutal.
Next Man Up: Who’s On The Bump?
So, with McClanahan out, who’s stepping up for the ALDS? Drew Rasmussen is the likely starter for Game 1, which is a huge spot to fill. Nick Martinez and Freddy Peralta are then expected to follow him in the rotation. The Rays also have Griffin Jax and Ian Seymour as options for a potential Game 4 or later rounds if the series goes deep. On a slightly brighter note, fellow pitchers Garrett Cleavinger (also dealing with forearm tightness) and Tyler Wells (forearm tightness) are reportedly progressing and could be options for the ALDS roster. The good news, if there is any, is that even without McClanahan, the Rays’ pitching staff is considered strong enough to advance. They’ll need every single one of those arms to be on point.
It’s a huge challenge, no doubt about it. The Rays’ next few games are all about fine-tuning that rotation and getting everyone locked in for the ALDS. Every pitch in that first round is gonna be magnified. Can Rasmussen, Martinez, and Peralta carry the load and prove the staff truly is strong enough? We’re about to find out, and the whole American League is watching.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by The Sporting News.
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