Here's What Tampa Bay Rays Manager Kevin Cash Had to Say About Shane McClanahan's Injury

The Tampa Bay Rays are holding their breath after ace Shane McClanahan left the game early on Thursday.

The Tampa Bay Rays are holding their breath after ace Shane McClanahan left his start early on Thursday against the Kansas City Royals.

McClanahan left with a back issue and manager Kevin Cash didn't provide anything that will make Rays fans feel much better.

The following update comes from the Rotowire fantasy baseball portal:

Manager Kevin Cash said he hopes McClanahan will be "okay" after receiving treatment on his back, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

ANALYSIS
McClanahan was pulled in the fourth inning of Thursday's game against the Royals with mid-back tightness. After the contest, Cash noted that the issue lingered from McClanahan's prior outing but didn't provide any additional detail as to whether he may require a stint on the injured list.

"Hoping" that your ace will be "okay" is not exactly a response that will illicit faith among fans, but you certainly understand the sentiment. The Rays, the best team in baseball, need McClanahan if they want to accomplish their ultimate goal of winning the World Series. They also don't want to see him miss any time because the pitching depth has already been tested this year with injuries to Jeffrey Springs (season) and Drew Rasmussen (until at least August).

McClanahan is one of the best pitchers in baseball and certainly will be an All-Star this year if healthy. He's 11-1 with a 2.23 ERA and has struck out 100 batters in 93.0 innings.

He gave up two earned runs in 3.2 innings before exiting. The Rays lost to the Royals, 6-5.

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