After missing the entire season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan is taking a huge step in his recovery next week.
McClanahan is feeling like himself again, both physically and mentally, as he nears the completion of his rehab. He's also quite confident about his upcoming return and what he can bring to the team.
The two-time All-Star has one more step in his rehab: throwing live batting practice next Thursday in Port Charlotte. It will be his first time facing hitters since his last game outing on August 2, 2023, at Yankee Stadium.
The 27-year-old lefty said he felt back to normal shortly after he began to throw off the mound in early August. "It's easier to throw down the slope," McClanahan said. "So, it started really kind of clicking, and I really felt like I haven't missed anything. So, I'm excited."
McClanahan is eager for the chance to show he's back to his best. "I miss it. Miss it to death," he said. "And I think these guys will attest for that, how much I ... moan about not playing."
The Rays will be thrilled if he's anywhere close to his past form. From 2021 to 2023, he went 33-16 with a 3.02 ERA in 74 starts, striking out 456 batters in 404⅔ innings.
McClanahan's Return: A Boost for the Rays
McClanahan's return is not just a boost for him personally, but could elevate the entire pitching staff, enhancing the Rays' competitiveness for the upcoming season. With McClanahan back, and with Drew Rasmussen and Jeffrey Springs healthy, the Rays should be contenders again in the American League in 2025. Those three will pair with Taj Bradley to make a very formidable rotation for manager Kevin Cash.
McClanahan's rehab journey has kept him involved and optimistic about his impact on the roster. The developments of young pitchers around him, combined with his anticipated return, signal a promising outlook for Tampa Bay's pitching staff in 2025.
A Look Ahead to the 2025 Season
Following his live BP session, McClanahan aims for a healthy and productive offseason in preparation for Spring Training, where his performance could reshape the team's rotation dynamics. The Rays, currently in fourth place in the American League East, are set to miss the playoffs this season. However, McClanahan's return, coupled with the development of young pitchers like Bradley, could make the Rays a formidable force in 2025.
Looking Back at a Stellar Career
The 27-year-old McClanahan is one of the top lefties in all of baseball, having earned two All-Star appearances already. Since making his debut in 2021, he's won double-digit games in each year he's pitched. He was 11-2 a season ago before getting hurt. He had a 3.29 ERA and struck out 121 batters in 115.0 innings.
The Rays will take on the Toronto Blue Jays for a new series beginning on Friday night. First pitch is set for 6:50 p.m. ET as Jose Berrios (TOR) pitches against Tyler Alexander (TBR).
McClanahan's return, coupled with the continued development of the Rays' young pitching staff, should make Tampa Bay a serious contender in 2025. The team's fans can look forward to seeing their ace back on the mound and making a significant impact on the team's success.
