The Tampa Bay Rays suffered a loss on Thursday night against the Kansas City Royals. However, their biggest loss came earlier in the game when their ace pitcher, Shane McClanahan, had to leave the game due to mid-back tightness. McClanahan, who was looking to become the first 12-game winner of the season, gave up two runs before exiting the game in the fourth inning. The Rays’ manager, Kevin Cash, stated that they don’t believe the injury is severe but wanted to err on the side of caution.
In the ninth inning, the Royals managed to take the lead and eventually win the game 6-5. Maikel Garcia drew a walk and stole second and third base before scoring on MJ Melendez’s infield single. The Royals stole a total of seven bases in the game. Aroldis Chapman pitched a perfect eighth inning, striking out the side and reaching a top speed of 102.6 mph. Scott Barlow closed the game and earned his ninth save for the Royals.
The Rays had taken the lead earlier in the game, with Francisco Mejía hitting a home run in the seventh inning and Randy Arozarena delivering a two-run single to put them ahead 5-3. Arozarena also had an RBI single in the first inning. Despite the loss, the Rays still have the best record in the majors with 52 wins and 26 losses, although their home record dropped to 32-9.
Before the game, the Rays announced that shortstop Wander Franco would not play in the next two games due to his handling of frustrating situations throughout the season. Additionally, it was the first time that former Tampa Bay coach Matt Quatraro faced his old team as the manager of the Royals.
In other news, Royals left-handed pitcher Austin Cox had an impressive outing, not allowing a hit to the first 11 batters he faced. This extended his streak of not giving up a hit to begin his career to 39 batters, the longest such streak since 1961.
Regarding injuries, Royals left-handed pitcher Amir Garrett made his first appearance with Triple-A Omaha as part of his rehab from a left elbow injury. Rays second baseman Brandon Lowe, who has been dealing with a herniated disc, is scheduled to hit against relievers Andrew Kittredge and Calvin Faucher as part of his recovery process. Right fielder Luke Raley was hit on the hand by a pitch but X-rays were negative, and further tests will be conducted.
Amir Garrett, a reliever for the Royals, is making progress in his recovery. In his first rehab appearance for Triple-A Omaha, he threw 2/3 innings, although his performance was a bit shaky. He walked three batters, threw a wild pitch, but also managed to strike out one batter.
Garrett has been on the injured list since June 2, with the placement being retroactive to May 29. His injury has been described as similar to a bone bruise in his elbow. This type of injury can be quite challenging for pitchers, as it can affect their command and overall effectiveness on the mound. He will need a few more rehab appearances before he is ready to rejoin the Kansas City Royals. The team will likely want to see how he progresses in these outings and ensure that he is fully recovered and back to his usual form before activating him from the injured list.
The next game is set to feature Rays right-handed pitcher Zach Eflin against Royals right-handed pitcher Zack Greinke.
Other MLB scores from Thursday, June 22, 2023:
Cleveland 6, Oakland 1
Minnesota 6, Boston 0
Seattle 10, NY Yankees 2
Arizona 5, Washington 3
Atlanta 5, Philadelphia 1 (10)
San Diego 10, San Francisco 0
Miami 6, Pittsburgh 4
