Rays move Shane McClanahan to IL, promote rookie Alex Cook

Shane McClanahan exited his Thursday start after three innings and was subsequently placed on the injured list due to back soreness. The left-handed pitcher, who missed the 2024 and 2025 seasons following Tommy John surgery, has been used cautiously, averaging fewer than five innings per outing since his April return. In his 20 starts, he has kept earned runs low, posting a 3.09 ERA and a 3.37 FIP, but has only reached the seventh inning once.

The Rays filled his roster spot with 25-year-old Alex Cook, a former 12th-round pick who has been a top reliever in the organization and briefly tried starting before a shoulder strain. Cook, added to the 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft, boasts a fastball in the upper 90s and a strong strikeout rate. Rays assistant general manager Kevin Ibach highlighted Cook’s potential to contribute soon. The move comes as Tampa Bay prepares for a three-game series against the Chicago White Sox.