Injury Notes: McClanahan, Canning, Kemp
Rays fans have been eagerly awaiting the return of Shane McClanahan to the big-league mound. The talented left-hander missed the entire 2024 season due to Tommy John surgery and a subsequent nerve issue in his triceps. However, he's set to make a comeback in 2026, with Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reporting that he'll be ready for action. Despite potential workload restrictions, McClanahan's addition to the rotation will be a significant boost for the depleted Rays staff.
In 2021, McClanahan made a solid debut, but it was the following season that truly showcased his talent. He became a Cy Young contender, boasting an impressive 2.54 ERA and striking out more than one batter per inning in 28 starts. His performance against the Guardians in the Wild Card round was particularly noteworthy, as he pitched seven innings of two-run ball, albeit losing to Shane Bieber.
The Rays' rotation is currently in flux, with Drew Rasmussen and Ryan Pepiot leading the pack. However, the team is also considering free-agent signings and trades to fill out the remaining spots. Joe Boyle, Steven Matz, and Yoendrys Gomez are potential candidates, and there's even speculation about the possibility of Zack Littell returning.
Meanwhile, Griffin Canning, a free-agent right-hander, is recovering from a ruptured Achilles tendon sustained with the Mets last season. He's been throwing for interested teams and has hit 93 mph on the radar gun, according to Will Sammon of The Athletic. The Cardinals, White Sox, and Mets are reportedly interested in acquiring Canning, who had a strong start to the season before his injury. He posted a career-best 3.77 ERA through 16 starts, signing a modest one-year, $4.25MM deal with the Mets. Canning's adjustments to his slider and changeup have helped him regain his strikeout ability.
On the position player front, utilityman Otto Kemp is set to be fully recovered for the upcoming season. Last year, he fractured his kneecap shortly after being called up, playing through the injury for the rest of the campaign. However, he underwent successful offseason surgery to address the issue and also had a cleanup procedure on his shoulder. Kemp is feeling refreshed and back to 100%, as he told NBC Sports Philadelphia in an interview. The 26-year-old demonstrated his power by hitting eight home runs in 62 games, finishing with a .411 SLG and a strikeout rate above 30%. He's among the internal options to compete for platoon work in the outfield alongside Brandon Marsh.
