Rays ace Shane McClanahan takes step toward his big league return after shutout inning in minors

By: The Associated Press Posted: 5:28 PM CDT Tuesday, Jul. 8, 2025

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (AP) — Tampa Bay Rays ace Shane McClanahan took a step toward returning to the major leagues after a nearly two-year absence, not allowing a hit or run in one inning of work Tuesday in a Florida Complex League game.

Read this article for free:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

To continue reading, please subscribe:

*Billed as $5.77 plus GST every four weeks. After 52 weeks, price increases to the regular rate of $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Offer available to new and qualified returning subscribers only. Cancel any time.

*Billed as $19.95 plus GST every four weeks. Cancel any time.

Read unlimited articles for free today:

or

Already have an account? Log in here »

Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 08/07/2025 (430 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

McClanahan, who last pitched in the majors on Aug. 2, 2023, before undergoing his second Tommy John surgery, also struck out a batter and walked one.

McClanahan, a 28-year-old left-hander, was on schedule to start the Rays’ season opener this year before leaving his final spring training start because of an inflamed nerve in his left triceps.

FILE - Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan throws in the bullpen before a baseball game between the Rays and the Baltimore Orioles on Aug. 10, 2024, in St. Petersburg, Fla. (AP Photo/Chris O'Meara, File)

Tampa Bay drafted McClanahan in the first round in 2018. He went 10-6 with a 3.43 ERA in 25 starts in his first big league season in 2021, finishing seventh in voting for AL Rookie of the Year.

The two-time All-Star went 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts before he got hurt in 2023.

___

AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/MLB