MLB trade deadline rumors: biggest questions ahead
Bob Nightengale breaks down the biggest trade deadline questions as contenders and sellers weigh their next moves.
Shane McClanahan, the Tampa Bay Rays’ two-time All-Star left-hander, left his start against the Texas Rangers Thursday, July 30 with lower mid-back tightness, a development that could affect the first-place Rays’ approach as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.
McClanahan, 29, issued a walk to Brandon Nimmo in the top of the fourth inning and then bent over as if to stretch and touch his toes. Rays manager Kevin Cash and a trainer came to the mound and McClanahan abruptly exited. The club later announced he is day-to-day with the back tightness.
McClanahan missed the 2024 and 2025 seasons recovering from Tommy John surgery and a triceps injury he suffered just before the ’25 season that kept him sidelined all year. He’s come back strongly this season, posting a 3.09 ERA in 19 starts as the Rays have taken control of the American League East, building a lead over the second place New York Yankees.
Tampa Bay was already considered a strong candidate to enter the sweepstakes for Tarik Skubal, the Detroit Tigers ace expected to land on the trading block. The Rays enjoy significant payroll flexibility and have as clear a path to their third World Series berth as possible.
The extent of McClanahan’s injury could frame how vigorous efforts to acquire Skubal – or any other starting pitcher – will be come deadline time.
