ST. PETERSBURG — Rays left-handed ace Shane McClanahan left his Thursday start against the Rangers in the fourth inning with left mid-back tightness.
McClanahan began the series finale at Tropicana Field by putting up zeros through his first three innings. However, McClanahan’s pitch velocity dropped significantly in the third. His four-seam fastball, which averaged 94.9 mph through the first two frames, averaged 93.8 mph in the third. His curveball and changeup lost some speed as well.
McClanahan opened the fourth inning by plunking Ezequiel Duran with a curveball that floated too far inside. At that point, Casey Legumina started throwing in the Rays’ bullpen. Legumina was called upon once McClanahan walked the next batter, Brandon Nimmo, on an 85.1 mph changeup. For the year, McClanahan’s changeup averages 87.0 mph.
Rays manager Kevin Cash and head athletic trainer Joe Benge came out to the mound and after a short conversation, McClanahan departed with Benge.
Legumina entered and, after getting Jake Burger to fly out, allowed one of his two inherited runners to score due to a fielding error from shortstop Taylor Walls. Duran crossed the plate to tie the score at 1, but Legumina allowed no further damage in the fourth.
The Rays’ rotation has been one of their strengths this season; their starters haven’t allowed more than two earned runs in 10 consecutive games. But they are considered a possible suitor for Tigers star Tarik Skubal, and an injury to McClanahan could enhance Tampa Bay’s desire to add a starting pitcher before the Trade Deadline arrives at 6 p.m ET on Monday.
