Rays Reinstate All-Star Pitcher From IL for Division Matchup

The Tampa Bay Rays have re-included their starting pitcher Shane McClanahan into the lineup for an upcoming crucial game. The move comes just as the team struggles to turn around their recent losing streak. McClanahan was placed on the 15-day injured list but has now returned and will begin the decisive matchup against the Baltimore Orioles at Tropicana Field on Monday night.

The Rays will strive to stop a four-game losing streak after conceding 20 runs in their previous three games. McClanahan, who has been a pivotal factor in keeping Tampa Bay's record at the top of the American League (74-49), is valued greatly as he has a 3.09 ERA in his 20 starts since returning from Tommy John surgery. A notable absence from the Rays' rotation, McClanahan pitched three perfect innings in a rehab assignment last week.

He was sidelined due to left mid-back tightness and returned to play on Tuesday. The Rays' rotation now boasts the third-best ERA in MLB (3.50). Joe Boyle, promoted from Triple-A Durham on Saturday, will be re-assigned back to the minors after allowing a couple of runs over 3.1 innings in their recent 10-2 loss to the Orioles. Boyle's ERA has been 5.21 in just four major league games this season.

The contest between the Rays and Orioles begins at 6:05 p.m. ET on Monday night and will be broadcast on MLB TV. Currently, Tampa Bay leads the division by 5.5 games over the New York Yankees.