Shane McClanahan’s Return Bolstered By Rays Teammates He Would ‘Go To War For’
The 29-year-old McClanahan has made quite a return after injuries sidelined him for the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He also enjoys being around this group of Tampa Bay Rays.
ST PETERSBURG, FLORIDA - Shane McClanahan of the Tampa Bay Rays pitches against the San Francisco Giants during a game at Tropicana Field on May 1, 2026 in St Petersburg, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) Getty Images Shane McClanahan has been a big reason why the Tampa Bay Rays won 13 of 14 before losing in Boston on Friday evening. The 29-year-old lefty has made quite a return after he was sidelined for the 2024 and 2025 seasons.
He went 972 days between MLB appearances thanks to Tommy John surgery and a subsequent nerve-related issue. Though there was noticeable inconsistency in his first three or four starts this season, which was not unexpected given the layoff, McClanahan has flourished of late as evidenced by a string 16 2/3 scoreless innings that he will take into his next assignment in Toronto on Monday evening. “I think I was guilty of, maybe in my first couple starts, just throwing,” he said.
“Obviously, getting the feel back. Now, it is more of trusting (catchers Nick Fortes and Hunter Feduccia) and game planning with (pitching coach Kyle Snyder). It’s matchups and understanding what I do well versus what (the batters) do well.
I am pretty pleased with my progression and want to keep this moving forward. ” The velocity of McClanahan’s four-seam fastball has been moving forward, topping out at 96. 9 in each of his last two starts.
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