Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan will miss multiple weeks due to a nerve irritation on his left triceps. He was on his way to having an injury-free spring training until throwing the pitch that led to the discomfort on his throwing arm.
Despite the unfavorable condition, the 27-year-old pitcher is still lucky because the injury could have been worst. After all, he missed the 2024 season after undergoing his second Tommy John surgery. Sadly, he will miss another Opening Day after that third-inning pitch to Boston Red Sox second baseman/outfielder Kristian Campbell.
The Rays initially diagnosed McClanahan’s injury as left triceps tightness. However, after a subsequent MRI that was read by Dr. Keith Meister, it was discovered as a nerve issue that doesn’t require surgery.
Shane McClanahan on missing Opening Day with a triceps nerve irritation:
— Jayson Stark (@jaysonst) March 24, 2025
"Hopefully ... this is the one of the last bumps, if not, the last bump in the road back" from Tommy John surgery. pic.twitter.com/0bNyre3Bit
However, his return remains indefinite and Ryan Pepiot will be Tampa Bay’s Opening Day starter against the Colorado Rockies at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Through three seasons, Shane McClanahan has a 33-16 record, a 3.02 ERA, a 1.105 WHIP, and 456 strikeouts in 404.2 innings. He was a Major League Baseball All-Star in 2022 and 2023.
-Lance Fernandez