Shane McClanahan has not thrown a large pitch for over 18 months, but he has already got the start of Tampa Bay Ray’s season opener against Colorado Rockies on March 28.
It will be the start of the third opening day for 27-year-old McClanahan, who missed the whole last season while recovering from the Tommy John operation.
“His work from ’21 -23 is equally impressive and stacks with someone in the game, certainly in this organization,” Ray’s manager Kevin Cash said to reporters on Sunday at the spring training in Port Charlotte, Fla. “I just think he is very much deserving of it.
The left-handed McClanahan started the All-Star game in 2022 for the American League. He also made the Al-Star team in 2023 just weeks before his major arm injury. He was 11-2 with a 3.29 era in 21 starts in 2023 before underwent surgery.
During three major league seasons, McClanahan has gone 33-16 with a 3.02 era and 456 strikes over 404 2/3 rounds in 74 starts.
McClanahan will be the fourth Tampa Bay Kannan which makes three or more opening days. James Shields (2008-10, 2012) and Chris Archer (2015-18) each made four, and David Price (2011, 2013-14) landed three assignments.
“Not everyone gets the opportunity to do it,” McClanahan said. “We have such a talented group of guys here, and for them to trust me and give me the opportunity for the third time, it is not taken easily.
“I feel very grateful for everything this organization has done to me, and I hope to expand that gratitude back.”
This start will be different. Due to Tropicana Field in St. Petersburg was significantly injured during Hurricane Milton, Rays plays his home games at Steinbrenner Field, New York Yankees’ Spring Training Facility in Tampa.
“I’m just grateful to take the ball. It may be on a backfield, can be all over the state, can be in another country,” McClanahan said. “I’m just grateful that I have a baseball in my hand and beating for the Tampa Bay beams.”
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