PT TOMORROW: AL East—Will TAM rue sending out McClanahan?

Tampa Bay Rays

The news was not unexpected, but promising young pitchers Luis Patiño (RHP, TAM) and Shane McClanahan (LHP, TAM) were optioned off the active roster this past week.

In essence, the writing had been on the wall for all of Tampa’s youthful candidates to start or at least pitch bulk innings once the Rays signed veterans like Rich Hill (LHP, TAM), Michael Wacha (RHP, TAM), Chris Archer (RHP, TAM) and Collin McHugh (RHP, TAM).

In discussing McClanahan and Patino in the context of the demotions, Cash suggested that the lack of a minor league season and the resulting reduction in the pitchers’ workloads would lead to their innings being managed closely this year.

In limited spring innings, Patino and McClanahan at least...

Almost!

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