Tampa Bay Rays hoping for best with Shane McClanahan

The last thing that any team battling for the postseason would need now is to lose their staff ace. That is what the Tampa Bay Rays are staring down.

Such is the case with Shane McClanahan. He was slated to start Tuesday’s game against the Marlins, but left the bullpen in the company of the Rays’ training staff, pointing to his shoulder.

Tampa Bay Rays need best case scenario for Shane McClanahan

There is hope that McClanahan will not be sidelined for long. According to Tricia Whitaker of Bally Sports Florida, he has left shoulder impingement, although that prognosis is dependent on further tests. Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times noted that, if it is shoulder impingement, that could mean that McClanahan is lost for approximately two weeks.

Of course, a lot would need to go well for that to happen. Those images and tests would need to reveal that he does not have any further damage. The cortisone shot would need to be effective. Then, he would need to prove that he can pitch once again, likely in bullpen sessions, without pain.

However, if that is the case, the Rays could get healthy just in time for the postseason. Not only could McClanahan be back for the final three weeks, but Shane Baz could return as well. Should that happen, the Rays could have a formidable duo ready at the perfect time, and with minimal wear from the regular season.

But that is the best case scenario. The Rays are hoping that will happen but it all comes down to those tests and scans. At least there is a chance that he can return soon, getting time to build back up before the postseason.

Shane McClanahan is reportedly dealing with left shoulder impingement. In a perfect world, the Tampa Bay Rays could get him back in roughly two weeks.