Rays' Shane McClanahan Opens Up About Injury Struggles

The Tampa Bay Rays pitcher reflects on the mental and physical toll of his recent injury setbacks.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan, who recently signed a $3.6 million contract to avoid arbitration, has been open about the challenges he has faced in recent years due to a myriad of injuries. McClanahan expressed that the last few years "sucked" as he dealt with physical setbacks like recovering from Tommy John surgery and a lingering nerve issue, which also took a toll on him mentally and emotionally. As he prepares for the 2026 season, McClanahan says fans can expect to see a more mature and complete player who has grown from these experiences.

Why it matters

McClanahan's candid comments shed light on the difficult realities professional athletes face when dealing with persistent injuries. His openness about the mental and emotional strain provides a human perspective on the pressures of elite sports performance. As the Rays look to bounce back in 2026, McClanahan's recovery and growth will be a key storyline to follow.

The details

McClanahan, 28, has not pitched in the majors since August 2023, when he recorded a 3.29 ERA with 121 strikeouts and an 11-2 record in 21 games. He says the last few years of injury struggles "tested [him] mentally, physically and emotionally." McClanahan has been recovering from a Tommy John surgery and a lingering nerve issue, which he says "take time" to heal properly.

  • McClanahan last pitched in the majors in August 2023.
  • He recently signed a $3.6 million contract with the Rays to avoid arbitration ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Shane McClanahan

A 28-year-old pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who is looking to bounce back in 2026 after dealing with a series of injuries over the past few years.

Tampa Bay Rays

The professional baseball team that McClanahan plays for, based in Tampa, Florida.

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What they’re saying

“To put it candidly, it sucked. It was a long process and still healing a little bit. Nerves are, unfortunately, just nerves. They're weird. They take time, and nothing you can really do. This entire process has tested me mentally. It's testing me physically and emotionally. I'm glad to kind of turn that corner and have that end goal, that finish line in sight.”

— Shane McClanahan, Rays Pitcher (Twitter)

“I think they're going to still see that same guy that loves this community, loves his team, and loves to win. I also think they're going to see a side of me that maybe they haven't seen, maybe a little bit more professional, a bit more emotionally put together. The last few years have been quite challenging on me as a person, with these injuries and some family matters, so I feel a bit more of a complete player, and needed to grow up a little bit. I'm pretty proud of that evolution.”

— Shane McClanahan, Rays Pitcher (Twitter)

What’s next

McClanahan is looking to make a full recovery and return to the mound for the Rays in 2026 after missing significant time over the past few seasons due to injuries.

The takeaway

McClanahan's openness about the mental and emotional toll of his injury struggles provides a human perspective on the challenges professional athletes face. His growth and resilience through this adversity could make him an even stronger leader for the Rays as they look to bounce back in 2026.