Tampa Bay Rays
PITCHER HEALTH
Preseason 2026 injury analysis, durability risk profiles, and return timelines for the Tampa Bay Rays pitching rotation.
ROTATION OUTLOOK
The Rays' rotation hinges on Shane McClanahan's return from a complicated Tommy John recovery. With multiple post-surgery arms (Rasmussen, McClanahan), Tampa faces durability concerns but has organizational depth to compensate.
KEY PITCHERS
Drew Rasmussen
RHP • #1 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (prior). Post-TJ effectiveness shown. Moderate innings limits likely.
Durability Risk Profile
Rasmussen has successfully returned from Tommy John surgery and shown he can be effective post-recovery.
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Ryan Pepiot
RHP • #2 Starter
Injury History
Limited major injury history. Rising talent. Relatively clean health record.
Durability Risk Profile
Pepiot has avoided major injuries and profiles as a reliable No. 2 starter.
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Shane McClanahan
LHP • #3 Starter
Injury History
Tommy John surgery (2023). Additional nerve-related arm surgery (August 11, 2025). Missed since August 2, 2023. Projected for Opening Day 2026 but questionable.
Durability Risk Profile
McClanahan underwent a second arm surgery in August 2025 to address ongoing nerve complications from his 2023 Tommy John procedure. While projected for Opening Day, two major elbow/arm surgeries in three years create extreme durability concerns.
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Steven Matz
LHP • #4 Starter
Injury History
Two-year free agent deal (2026-2027). Injury history includes elbow issues.
Durability Risk Profile
Matz was signed to provide rotation stability but has a history of elbow issues that have caused IL stints.
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