ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – What a day it was at Tropicana Field on Thursday. About four hours after Rays manager Kevin Cash announced Wander Franco would not play at least the first two games of a four-game series against visiting Kansas City, Shane McClanahan left the field with trainer Joe Benge due to what the team announced was mid-back tightness.
McClanahan, who leads MLB with 11 wins, was removed after retiring Dairon Blanco on a grounder to third for the second out of the fourth inning.
“I was pretty frustrated that I had to come out of the game,” he said, following a 6-5 loss to the Royals in which he did factor in the decision. “I understand the decision. I felt like I could have kept going, but it is what it is.”
In the news: Rays Sitting Wander Franco Through At Least Friday
McClanahan felt his back tighten prior to his start last Friday at San Diego. It loosened up and was not a factor when he allowed only three hits and one run in 6 2/3 innings in defeating the Padres.
It did not loosen up Thursday night, though, and the hope is he will not have to miss any starts.
“I don’t want to speculate,” he said. “It’s still pretty early, but the leading notion is I don’t think it’s severe. Just maybe more of a precautionary move just to maybe limit whatever it is. Hopefully, I am not missing any starts.”
The 26-year-old lefty entered the game averaging 96.7 mph with his four-seam fastball. He reached 94 mph with only one four-seamer in the fourth inning and one of the pitches registered 90.9. Cash got Kevin Kelly up in the bullpen upon noticing the lack of velocity.
“The way the ball was coming out, I think he was favoring it a little bit more (than prior to San Diego start),” said Cash. “He wanted to stay out there and I appreciate him wanting to continue to compete. But in those moments we probably need to err on the side of caution and make sure we do right by him.”
Android Users, Click To Download The Free Press App And Never Miss A Story. Follow Us On Facebook and Twitter. Signup for our free newsletter.
We can’t do this without your help; visit our GiveSendGo page and donate any dollar amount; every penny helps.