Rays' injury updates & roster moves
Keep track of all the Rays' roster moves and injury updates here. This page will be updated throughout the offseason.
LATEST NEWS
Nov. 4: Reinstated LHP Shane McClanahan from the 60-day IL; reinstated, agreed to an extension with RHP Jacob Waguespack; C René Pinto claimed off waivers by the Orioles; RHP Justin Sterner claimed off waivers by the Athletics; RHP Joel Kuhnel clears waivers, elects free agency
The Rays had to reinstate McClanahan and make a decision regarding Waguespack before Monday’s deadline, so they activated their ace left-hander and guaranteed Waguespack $1.3 million for 2025 with a $1.5 million club option for ’26. Both are healthy and expected to be ready for Spring Training. Along with those moves, the Rays parted with Pinto (their Opening Day catcher) and relievers Sterner and Kuhnel, clearing additional space on their 40-man roster. Read more >>
INJURY UPDATES
LHP Shane McClanahan (Tommy John surgery)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
McClanahan effectively completed his rehabilitation program on Sept. 25 by throwing 15-16 pitches in a live batting practice at Tropicana Field. Manager Kevin Cash said McClanahan faced Triple-A Durham outfielder Jake Mangum and did well, throwing 94-95 mph. Reaching that milestone will allow McClanahan to have a normal, healthy offseason. The left-hander underwent Tommy John surgery on Aug. 21, 2023, his second such procedure. The two-time All-Star, placed on the 60-day IL on Feb. 14, missed the entire 2024 season. He was removed from the IL on Nov. 4 and is expected to be ready for Spring Training in '25. (Last updated: Nov. 4)
LHP Jeffrey Springs (left elbow fatigue)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
Springs had been scheduled to start on Sept. 9 in Philadelphia, but instead he was placed on the 15-day injured list on Sept. 8, with the assignment made retroactive to Sept. 5. Springs, who returned from Tommy John surgery earlier this season, said he simply felt a little more sore than normal during his between-starts bullpen session and while playing catch. Rather than pitching at less than 100 percent or risking further injury, Springs reported the issue and went on the IL. He initially hoped to return to make two starts at the end of the season, but manager Kevin Cash announced on Sept. 17 that Springs will not return despite a clean MRI and a "very encouraging" visit with Dr. Keith Meister.
"As much as he wants to, I think we put our heads together [and decided] it’s probably best to not slow him down, build him back up and try to force an outing in there," Cash said. (Last updated: Sept. 17)
RHP Pete Fairbanks (right lat strain)
Expected return: Spring Training 2025
Fairbanks exited the Rays' Aug. 18 game with an injury that an MRI exam later revealed as a lat strain. Fairbanks progressed to playing catch and felt good in his recovery, but he wasn't making progress quick enough to return to the mound in 2024. He is expected to be fully healthy and ready for Spring Training '25. (Last updated: Sept. 17)