Not good. Cash added that McClanahan is “kind of in a shut down mode” at the moment as he visits a specialist to determine the next steps in his recovery process from a triceps issue that put him on the shelf just prior to Opening Day. It certainly qualifies as a setback since the 28-year-old lefty was throwing bullpen sessions as recently as last weekend and was aiming to return at some point in late July or early August. It’s becoming a realistic possibility that McClanahan doesn’t make it back to Tampa Bay this season.

McClanahan threw a bullpen on Saturday, and Rays manager Kevin Cash said, “All went well.” There is currently no timeline for McClanahan’s return, but the left-hander will likely throw another bullpen or two before beginning a lengthy rehab. He could return at some point in July, but we should expect some inconsistencies and short outings during the remainder of the season. We may not see elite fantasy production until 2026.

Rays president of baseball operations Erik Neander said Tuesday in a radio interview with MLB Network Radio that McClanahan has progressed to throwing bullpen sessions as he continues working his way back from a nerve issue in his triceps that put him on the shelf at the end of spring training. He’s a serious wild card at this stage for fantasy purposes, but he’s at least worthy of a speculative stash in deeper mixed leagues on the chance he’s able to contribute over the final two months of the season.

This will be McClanahan’s first bullpen session since experiencing a nerve issue in his triceps during spring training. If that bullpen session goes well, he would likely need another one or two before beginning a long rehab assignment. At this point, it seems the best-case scenario is for McClanahan to return to the Tampa Bay rotation in late July.