Shane McClanahan landing on IL may push Rays to make pitcher trade

Veteran pitcher Shane McClanahan exited the Tampa Bay Rays’ 3-2 loss to the Texas Rangers on Thursday after three innings of work after sustaining an apparent back injury. On Friday, the club announced he is being placed on the IL, and that move may push the front office to make a trade at the August 3 deadline.

The Rays announced on social media that the 29-year-old left-hander is going on the 15-day IL with left mid-back tightness. In a corresponding move, the organization also stated that pitcher Alex Cook is being recalled from Triple-A Durham to replace McClanahan on the major league roster.

“The Tampa Bay Rays have placed LHP Shane McClanahan (left mid-back tightness) on the 15-day IL and recalled RHP Alex Cook from Triple-A Durham,” the Rays Communications account on X posted. “Cook will wear No. 54.”

While the injury comes at a crucial time in the regular season, it doesn’t sound like the Rays will be without the four-year veteran for too long, according to Jon Morosi of the MLB Network. Even so, Morosi hints that McClanahan’s injury is a good enough reason why the front office should consider adding another pitcher via trade.

“Trade Deadline news: Rays have placed left-hander Shane McClanahan on the IL with left mid-back tightness,” Morosi reported. “Not expected to be a long-term absence, but this underscores the Rays’ need to add a starting pitcher.”

Tampa Bay resides in first place in the AL East. But it’s not a big lead whatsoever, as the New York Yankees are just 3.5 games behind. With the trade deadline on August 3, the franchise has an opportunity to acquire a talented arm to improve the starting rotation, with or without Shane McClanahan.

The Rays have been linked to Tarik Skubal in the rumor mill. However, the Detroit Tigers ace is the most sought-after trade target in the league right now. However it plays out, Tampa Bay has several days to possibly find another arm to boost the pitching group.

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