Rays pitcher McClanahan exits game with back tightness as trade deadline approaches
Shane McClanahan left a Thursday win due to left mid-back tightness, prompting the Tampa Bay Rays to reassess their options ahead of the Aug. 3 trade deadline, where Detroit left-hander Tarik Skubal remains a primary target.
Shane McClanahan was pulled from the Tampa Bay Rays' 3-2 victory over the Texas Rangers in the fourth inning after experiencing left mid-back tightness, according to the team. The pitcher hit Ezequiel Duran with his first pitch and walked Brandon Nimmo on six balls before the Rays' manager Kevin Cash and a trainer checked on him and he left the game.
The injury comes as the Rays are linked to a possible trade for Detroit Tigers left-hander Tarik Skubal, who is viewed as a leading candidate before the Aug. 3 deadline. An injury to McClanahan could heighten the urgency of any potential deal.
Skubal recorded his 1,000th career strikeout on Wednesday against the Baltimore Orioles, finishing with six strikeouts over 6 2/3 innings in a 10-9 loss. The milestone occurs during the final year of his contract, and he has acknowledged that he may be approaching his last start for Detroit.
The MLB trade deadline is set for 6 p.m. ET on Monday, and a running log of transactions continues to be updated.