Rays ace Shane McClanahan to undergo Tommy John surgery; may not return until 2025

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Last week, Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash said it was "highly unlikely" that his ace in Shane McClanahan would pitch again this season.

Well, now it is looking like the left-hander will not only miss the rest of this year, but all of next season as well.

Cash announced on Wednesday to reporters that the two-time All-Star will undergo Tommy John surgery.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Shane McClanahan, #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays, delivers to the Milwaukee Brewers in the second inning at Tropicana Field on May 19, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)

The lefty hit the 15-day injured list two weeks ago with tightness in his throwing forearm, often a precursor of worse problems ahead.

This is McClanahan's fourth trip to the IL in his three-year career and his second this season. He was on the IL from July 1 to July 17 with back tightness. Late last season, he missed time with a left shoulder impingement.

McClanahan was 11-2 with a 3.26 ERA, and he allowed five earned runs in four innings in his most recent start against the struggling New York Yankees.

Shane McClanahan, #18 of the Tampa Bay Rays, throws a pitch during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Tropicana Field on June 22, 2023 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

He was named an All-Star in July for the second straight season but missed the midsummer classic because of his earlier IL stint. He started last year's All-Star Game and finished in sixth place in AL Cy Young Award voting.

The Rays already lost Jeffrey Springs and Drew Rasmussen to Tommy John surgery earlier this year.

Tampa Bay