Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan sees specialist, plans to visit another

UPDATE: It is “highly unlikely” that Shane McClanahan will pitch again this season, Rays manager Kevin Cash acknowledged Tuesday.

ST. PETERSBURG — Rays top starter Shane McClanahan plans to continue gathering information on the cause of and potential treatment options for tightness in his left forearm.

McClanahan on Monday visited specialist Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. There apparently was no definitive diagnosis, as the team had no update.

The hard-throwing lefty plans to see at least one other specialist, Texas-based Dr. Keith Meister, next week. McClanahan had an MRI and was examined by team orthopedic Dr. Koco Eaton on Thursday.

Right-hander Tyler Glasnow, who was scratched from Sunday’s start due to back spasms, is slated to see team specialist Dr. Tom Tolli on Tuesday. The Rays don’t expect Glasnow to be out long, potentially pitching this week.

Manager Kevin Cash said on Sunday he was not overly concerned about Glasnow missing extended time — “I personally don’t think, as we speak right now, it’s that big of a deal” — and that it was possible he could start on Wednesday or Thursday.

McClanahan, a two-time All-Star, felt the tightness warming up for the fourth inning Wednesday in New York. He pitched the inning, then told Cash about the situation and was taken out of the game. He was placed on the 15-day injured list Thursday, and when a decision is made on the treatment plan the Rays will have a better sense of when he can return.

After beginning the season 11-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 15 starts, McClanahan is 0-0 with a 6.65 ERA in his last five starts, coinciding with the start of a bout with mid-back tightness, followed by the forearm issue.

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