May 19, 2023; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) reacts after a strikeout against the Milwaukee Brewers in the seventh inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Milwaukee Brewers at Tampa Bay Rays
(Tampa, Florida) — Crisis averted.
Rays manager Kevin Cash said during an appearance on MLB Network Radio on Friday that Shane McClanahan (back) is expected to start Sunday against the Royals.
Cash emphatically stated a Sunday return would happen, so it’s encouraging the 26-year-old has managed to remain on track.
The injury prevented the southpaw from pitching in the All-Star Game, but he was able to play catch last week without any discomfort and is presumably pain-free.
McClanahan was placed on the IL with mid-back tightness July 1, one day after he was limited to a season-low three innings in a start at Seattle, but hopefully the extended rest did him some good. The Rays ace is 11-1 this season with a 2.53 ERA.
His return is great news for a Rays team that limped into the All-Star break, having lost seven of their last 10 games. With just a 2.0 game lead over the Baltimore Orioles, McLanahan will be greeted back with open arms.
