Rays' Shane McClanahan Visits Nerve Specialist During Rehab

Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan is currently in a shutdown mode due to a nerve issue in his left triceps, which has delayed his return from Tommy John surgery performed in August 2023. Despite making progress with throwing and bullpen sessions, McClanahan is set to visit a nerve specialist this week to evaluate the next steps in his rehabilitation. Manager Kevin Cash and baseball operations president Erik Neander have indicated that a return to the rotation might not happen until late July or early August, with a best-case scenario involving McClanahan being sidelined through the All-Star break. The Rays have maintained a strong pitching rotation in his absence, but McClanahan's return is considered crucial for the team's late-season and postseason prospects. Updates on his condition and recovery timeline are expected following the specialist consultation. McClanahan had been the Rays' projected Opening Day starter for 2025 before the injury emerged during spring training.