Rays’ Shane McClanahan Did Not Live Up To His Standards In Return
Shane McClanahan was particularly frustrated by something that should come as no surprise after a two-year absence: His stamina is not where he wants it to be.
Tampa Bay Rays' Shane McClanahan pitches during the first inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Aaron Gash) Copyright 2026 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.
It was August 2023 that Shane McClanahan last pitched in a regular season game. In his highly anticipated return Tuesday evening in Milwaukee, the Rays’ lefty cruised through four innings while keeping the Brewers hitless on 51 pitches and averaging 95. 4 mph on his heater.
To that point, it could not have been a better outing. McClanahan hit a wall of sorts in the fifth when he allowed two hits and, most irksome to him, walked two batters and was charged with three runs (two earned) in taking the loss in a 6-2 setback. Overall, the 28-year-old’s outing was a success.
Again, it was his first regular season outing in what was four months shy of three years. “I was really happy and proud of him,” manager Kevin Cash told reporters after the game. “He came out, executed, and gave us an opportunity to win the ballgame.