The Tampa Bay Rays are pushing back left-hander Shane McClanahan's next start until later next week to give him extra rest. The team will instead use a bullpen game on Saturday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Manager Kevin Cash said McClanahan is expected to pitch next Friday against the Houston Astros in the first game of that series. The decision follows a consistent workload for the 29-year-old, who returned this season after missing the previous two and a half years due to elbow and triceps injuries.
Nick Martinez is scheduled to start Friday's series opener against the Diamondbacks. Drew Rasmussen will take the mound for Sunday's finale at Tropicana Field.
Cash noted that McClanahan has thrown 73 2/3 innings over 15 starts and has not missed a turn this year. The extra rest is intended to prepare him for the period around the All-Star break.
