Rays Receive Promising Injury News on Shane McClanahan and Griffin Jax

The Tampa Bay Rays continue to receive good news. 

Following another successful win against the Athletics, led by a complete game from starter Nick Martinez, Kevin Cash and the rest of the Tampa Bay Rays have received some promising news regarding their rotation on the injury report. 

It was reported that Shane McClanahan, who is currently on the 15-day injured list due to back discomfort, completed a three-inning rehab assignment with the Durham Bulls. What Kevin Cash saw gave him a ton of optimism. According to Ryan Bass, the sideline reporter for the Tampa Bay Rays, Kevin Cash said Kyle Snyder, the team's pitching coach, watched his outing live and "looked like the velocity and all the off-speed offerings were right in line." 

Cash also stated that McClanahan will fly back to St. Pete in the coming days and make a new plan. However, the team feels that they are "confident that we are heading in the best direction." 

In other pitching injury news, Griffin Jax, who was recently placed on the injured list due to right elbow discomfort, received an injection to "calm the back of the elbow down." Kevin Cash once again seemed optimistic and stated, "I feel like he's in a really good spot. We'll take the ball out of his hand for two more days and then get him back to throwing."

It certainly seems like the best-case scenario for Jax, who has had a resurgence in his career since arriving at Tampa Bay last year at the MLB trade deadline. The former reliever worked his way into the rotation this season and has truly become a staple in the back end of the staff. 

While the two starters are out, the team will continue to rely on pitchers such as Drew Rasmussen, Ian Seymour, and newly acquired pitcher Freddy Peralta. 

Multiple pitchers inside the farm system could likely find themselves making an appearance on the Rays roster, as well as the bullpen stepping up for a potential start while awaiting the return of one of the pitchers. 

With the arrival of big-time right-hander Tyler Wells, the back end of the bullpen is one of the most dangerous in baseball. That allows pitchers such as Steven Matz and Casey Legumina to act as longer relievers and could certainly help out in this time of need for the roster. 

The Rays will finish their road trip on Wednesday with a final game in Sacramento against the Athletics. Drew Rasmussen will get the start.