Rays' McClanahan Eager to Return After Long Injury Layoff

Dominant pitcher missed last two seasons due to Tommy John surgery and nerve injury

Feb. 25, 2026 at 7:33pm

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Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan is set to return to the mound for the 2026 season, after missing the last two years due to Tommy John surgery and a subsequent nerve injury. Prior to the initial injury, McClanahan was a dominant force, making the All-Star team in 2022 and 2023 with a 33-16 record and 3.02 ERA over 74 starts. Now 28 years old, McClanahan is eager to get back on the field and regain his previous form.

Why it matters

McClanahan's return is a major boost for the Rays, who have struggled in his absence. The young pitcher was emerging as one of the top starters in the league before the injuries, and his ability to recapture that form will be crucial for the team's playoff hopes.

The details

McClanahan underwent Tommy John surgery on his left elbow in August 2023, and while rehabbing, he suffered a nerve injury that set back his recovery and caused him to miss the last two MLB seasons. Prior to the initial injury, the 26-year-old had made the All-Star team in 2022 and 2023, posting a 33-16 record and 3.02 ERA over 74 starts.

  • McClanahan underwent Tommy John surgery in August 2023.
  • He suffered a nerve injury while rehabbing, causing him to miss the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
  • McClanahan is expected to be on the Rays' opening day roster for the 2026 season.

The players

Shane McClanahan

A starting pitcher for the Tampa Bay Rays who was emerging as one of the top pitchers in the league before suffering a series of injuries that caused him to miss the last two seasons.

Tampa Bay Rays

The MLB team that McClanahan plays for, who are eagerly awaiting his return to bolster their starting rotation and playoff hopes.

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What they’re saying

“I think I've learned more through this process than I might've learned in my first 26 years of life.”

— Shane McClanahan

What’s next

McClanahan is expected to be on the Rays' opening day roster for the 2026 season, marking his long-awaited return to the mound.

The takeaway

McClanahan's comeback from a series of major injuries will be a closely watched storyline for the Rays in 2026, as the team hopes the once-dominant pitcher can regain his All-Star form and help lead them back to the playoffs.