Rays manager Cash believes McClanahan can avoid IL due to back tightness

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays supervisor Kevin Cash believes that ace Shane McClanahan can keep away from happening the injured listing because of mid-back tightness.

McClanahan, who leads the majors with 11 wins, left Thursday night time’s 6-5 loss to the Kansas City Royals with two outs within the fourth inning.

“I talked to Shane, he’s good,” Cash mentioned earlier than Friday night time’s sport in opposition to the Royals. “Encouraged by that. Happy with that.”

McClanahan’s subsequent scheduled begin is Wednesday night time at Arizona, however it’s attainable he might be pushed again a pair days.

“I know we’re going to put our heads together,” Cash mentioned. “I don’t feel like he’s going to miss time or anything like that as we speak right now. We’ll get him back out there here soon.”

McClanahan mentioned he’s feeling good.

“Definitely a better spot than yesterday,” McClanahan mentioned. “We’ve started the treatment, we’ve started getting this thing right. I feel like I’m in a good spot. If I had to forecast, I’d say I’m still in a pretty good spot to line up (for my next start).”

Tampa Bay slugger Brandon Lowe, out since June 4 with a herniated disc, hit in opposition to injured relievers Andrew Kittredge (Tommy John surgical procedure) and Calvin Faucher (proper elbow) on the staff’s minor league complicated in Sarasota, Florida.

Lowe, who had 39 homers and 99 RBIs in 2021, was restricted to 65 video games final yr, due partly to a again damage. The second baseman has 9 homers and 29 RBIs in 50 video games this season.

“Everybody said that it was full-force swings,” Cash mentioned.

Lowe and Faucher might play in a rookie-level Florida Complex League sport subsequent week. Kittredge shouldn’t be anticipated again till August.