McClanahan exits with back tightness as Rays' rotation a Deadline focus

ST. PETERSBURG -- Entering Thursday’s series finale at Tropicana Field, the Rays already had a reason to be shopping in the starting pitching market ahead of Monday’s 6 p.m. ET Trade Deadline.

They have even more reason to explore that market now.

That’s because starting pitcher Shane McClanahan exited Thursday’s 3-2 win in the fourth inning due to left mid-back tightness. The team considers him to be day to day.

McClanahan began the matinee game at Tropicana Field by putting up zeros through his first three innings. However, McClanahan’s pitch velocity was down throughout the day. His four-seam fastball, which has averaged 95.6 mph this season, was at 94.9 mph through the first two frames. It fell further in the third, down to 93.8 mph. His curveball and changeup were down a couple of ticks as well.

McClanahan was sent back out for the fourth inning, but the Rays got right-hander Casey Legumina warming in the bullpen just in case McClanahan couldn’t recapture his normal velocities.

He could not.

McClanahan threw seven pitches in the fourth inning, including two fastballs that were each less than 94 mph. He opened the frame by plunking Ezequiel Duran with a curveball that floated too far inside. After McClanahan walked Brandon Nimmo, Rays manager Kevin Cash and head athletic trainer Joe Benge came out to the mound and after a short conversation, McClanahan departed with Benge.

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.