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Shane McClanahan is back on a major-league mound this spring after a two-year absence, and every bullpen session feels like a fresh chapter. The left-hander’s return has been slow and careful. Tampa Bay and its fans are watching closely to see whether the former All-Star can regain his pre-injury form.
How injuries shaped McClanahan’s long layoff
McClanahan last appeared in an MLB game during the 2023 season. He missed the entire 2024 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery. A subsequent triceps issue kept him out for the 2025 season.
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The back-to-back setbacks forced a prolonged rehab plan. That plan covered surgery recovery, shoulder and arm work, and a phased reintroduction to live throwing. Progress has been measured in bullpen sessions and simulated innings.
What the Rays want to learn during spring training
The organization is treating each appearance as a data point. The immediate priority is simple: keep him healthy. After that comes a checklist of performance indicators.
Key on-field metrics
- Velocity readings on fastball and secondary pitches.
- Command of the strike zone and walk rate in live work.
- Durability across multiple bullpen outings.
- Response of the elbow and triceps after throwing repetitions.
Coaches will also study his pitch sequencing and how hitters adjust. Modern analytics will supplement traditional scouting reports. Player feedback, video review, and advanced metrics will guide the timetable for any return to competitive innings.
Career baseline and why the Rays are optimistic
Before injuries sidelined him, McClanahan established himself as an elite young starter. Over his first three seasons he compiled strong results that underpin Tampa Bay’s patience.
- Two All-Star selections early in his career.
- Across 74 starts, a sub-3.10 ERA and a strong strikeout-to-walk mark.
- In 2023 he posted a 3.29 ERA with impressive strikeout totals and a tidy walk rate.
Those numbers are the standard the Rays hope he can approach again. If he regains even a portion of that form, the club could welcome a rotation boost.
Mental toll and the support that mattered
Being away from the game for two full seasons took a psychological as well as a physical toll. McClanahan has described the period as requiring unexpected inner strength.
He credits family and teammates for steady support during rehab. He also spoke about missing a close family member, and how that loss has been part of his recovery story. Those elements have shaped his mindset as much as any training plan.
Voices from camp and the first live hitters session
Rays sideline reporter Ryan Bass captured a milestone when McClanahan faced hitters in spring work for the first time since the previous July. The exchange also highlighted clubhouse dynamics. Teammates and staff noted the significance of the outing.
Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s rotation decisions for Opening Day reflect depth and trust across the staff. The team named another starter for the opener, a choice that speaks to organizational balance as McClanahan works his way back.
What to watch next as he rebuilds innings
- Frequency of bullpen sessions without setbacks.
- Transition from live work to simulated games.
- Gradual increase in innings and pitch counts.
- Reports on pain, soreness, and recovery between outings.
Each report will shape timelines and roster moves. For now, McClanahan’s spring bullpen sessions are the primary signposts on his comeback trail.
