MLB News: The Tampa Bay Rays got off to a blistering start to begin the season and at first their lead was so large that many believed it was impossible for anyone to catch them in the standings. Unfortunately the Rays have been slumping, went just 8-16 during the month of July, and are no longer in first place in the AL East.
Currently in first place in the AL East is the young Baltimore Orioles with a record of 66-42. Tampa Bay is 1.5 games back at 66-45 and they also have a comfortable five game lead in the American League Wild Card race. However, the Rays recently received some brutal injury news that may decrease their odds at winning the AL East division.
Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan left his last start early due to forearm discomfort (MLB News).
Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reported that Shane McClanahan felt some forearm discomfort while warming up for the fourth inning on Wednesday, August 2. He completed that inning but did not pitch any further as he gave up five earned runs to the New York Yankees.
This season the Rays starting pitching staff have been slammed with injuries for Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs have been out for several months now. If McClanahan receives bad news that could spell trouble for the Rays, who as noted above are already in a team funk.
When asked about the injury McClanhan said, “It just grabbed and wouldn’t let go, and I was like, ‘This is kind of interesting’. I got through the fourth and made note of it and obviously, we decided to err on the side of caution.”
The Rays will have more answers after Shane McClanhan undergoes some more tests.
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