DETROIT -- A week after throwing a full-intensity bullpen session, Rays ace Shane McClanahan took another big step in his return to Tampa Bay’s rotation.
McClanahan began a Minor League rehab assignment on Tuesday, throwing a scoreless inning for the Rookie-level Florida Complex League Rays against the Twins’ FCL affiliate at the Rays’ Charlotte Sports Park complex in Port Charlotte, Fla.
“A great first step,” pitching coach Kyle Snyder said.
McClanahan recorded one walk and one strikeout and didn’t allow a hit. Snyder said the left-hander, who is working his way back from a nerve-related issue in his left triceps that has sidelined him since his final outing of Spring Training, threw all four of his pitches and competed with “the intensity that you would expect facing hitters for the first time.”
Relaying a report from assistant pitching and rehab coach Rick Knapp, Rays manager Kevin Cash said McClanahan put forth “a very pro effort” in his first game action since March.
“He went out there, controlled himself. He was excited to get out and face hitters,” Cash said. “I texted back and forth with Mac, and I think that [it was] a big first step for him.”
If McClanahan feels good and recovers well in the coming days, he will continue to build up his stamina, adding innings to his workload and moving up to face tougher competition at Triple-A Durham.
For pitchers, Minor League rehab assignments can last up to 30 days. If McClanahan needs the maximum amount of time, essentially the equivalent of a Spring Training-type game progression, the two-time All-Star starter will return in early to mid-August.
McClanahan hasn’t pitched in the Majors since Aug. 2, 2023, his final start before undergoing a second Tommy John surgery. He worked his way back to full health this spring, only to be set back by the nerve issue.
Whenever McClanahan is ready, the Rays will be thrilled to add a pitcher with his ability to the top of their rotation.
“Just glad that he's feeling good. I think more than anything, they're gonna take the time they need to take to make sure that he's right,” starter Zack Littell said. “I think that the most important thing is that Shane's feeling good, and Shane feels like he's ready to go.
“Obviously, we want him back as quickly as possible, but I think every guy in here, as well as staff, wants to make sure that they're doing what's right by Shane as well. I know that Mac would love to be here tomorrow, but we'll see him and it'll be a good boost.”