“To go out there and do it Day 1 of (live batting practice) has got to be a good feeling for him,” Cash said. “Proud of the way that he’s gone about his work all offseason, and then to come in being very healthy-looking is such a bright spot for us.”

Shane McClanahan, who missed all of last season recovering from Tommy John surgery, is set to make his third career Opening Day start for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2025.

Shane McClanahan hasn't thrown a big-league pitch in over 18 months, but he has already earned the start for the Tampa Bay Rays' season opener against the Colorado Rockies on March 28.

The hard-throwing, intensely competitive lefty is recovered from Tommy John surgery. Now it’s about keeping him from doing too much.

Shane McClanahan was in the weight room at Charlotte Sports Park last Wednesday, sipping his pre-workout drink and getting ready to lift after his first bullpen session of camp, when strength and conditioning coach Bryan King told him that manager Kevin Cash wanted to see him.

As the Tampa Bay Rays are making moves with Spring Training right around the corner, there is one thing for certain regarding the ballclub and it’s that Shane McClanahan will be making his return hugely.