Shane McClanahan Set for Major First Step in Return to Rays

Shane McClanahan is making progress in his return to the Tampa Bay Rays rotation.

Jul 24, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA;Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Tampa Bay Rays' starting rotation has suffered a few losses recently, with two key members going on the injured list.

Griffin Jax was the latest, scratched from his start against the Seattle Mariners because of elbow discomfort. He is getting a second opinion to determine what the next steps for him are going to be.

Before he went down, it was Shane McClanahan who had to exit a start against the Texas Rangers early because of a back ailment, which landed him on the injured list. At the time, it wasn’t believed to be a serious injury that the talented lefty was dealing with, and that has proven to be true.

McClanahan is progressing well in his recovery, and he is set to make his first rehab outing with Triple-A Durham. The Bulls announced on their X account that he will be starting for them on Aug. 11.

Shane McClanahan beginning rehab assignment

Jul 24, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

This is great news for McClanahan and the Rays. He has dealt with so many injuries the last few years, as August 2023 was the last time he stepped on a Big League mound before his first start in 2026.

First it was Tommy John surgery, and then he dealt with a nerve issue in his elbow that cost him the 2025 campaign and led to another procedure. Luckily, this most recent obstacle he had to overcome didn’t involve his arm, as he dealt with some mid-lower back pain.

He made his last start for Tampa Bay on July 30. They believed he would only miss about two starts with the Big League team, and that looks like it could still be the case. Sidelined for less than two weeks, McClanahan shouldn’t require too much of a ramp-up, as he could be one-and-done making a start in Triple-A.

Mac begins a rehab stint at Durham tonight https://t.co/eJkoE4GtDd

— Ryan Bass (@Ry_Bass) August 11, 2026

The Rays don’t currently have a starting pitcher announced for Aug. 14 in their series opener against the Baltimore Orioles. McClanahan won’t be in the mix for that game, but since the team has off on Aug. 13, they could push Ian Seymour into the opener against the Orioles and Freddy Peralta for Game 2.

That would leave McClanahan ready for Game 3 on Aug. 16 on his regular amount of rest, sliding back into the spot that has been vacated with Jax injuring his elbow.

McClanahan has been excellent for Tampa Bay this year. He has a 9-6 record with a 3.09 ERA across 99 innings pitched, with a 3.35 FIP and 1.4 bWAR.