Shane McClanahan and the mental game

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – The journey back was filled with roadblocks, obstructions and barricades.

Through two grueling years, endless therapy, countless challenges and a horizon not visible, Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan battled through steel walls and doubts. His return this spring training was as much a personal triumph as a testament to resilience.

Between starts from Aug. 2, 2023, a 7-2 loss to the Yankees in New York until a 6-2 defeat at Milwaukee on March 31, 2026, McClanahan underwent a Tommy John surgery and repair to nerve damage at the start of the 2025 season. That was a span of 972 days between traversing to a major league mound.

Despite the misery and uncertainty, McClanahan was adamant about a return to competition.

Commencement of the season did not sit well, and McClelland told reporters, during the early weeks, he was clearly unhappy. Making life tough and difficult on himself, McClanhan wandered about the baseball landscape and sought perfection. Through the free-fall, he did not doubt his ability, stamina and desire to compete at the highest level.

Reclaiming his position within the Rays starting rotation. McClanhan began the season on edge. He went 1-2 and a no-decision through his opening four starts. By the time of his first no-decision in Pittsburgh on April 19, McClanahan’s ERA spiked to 5.00.

With a 5-2 win on May 31 over the Angels, McClanhan clearly recovered, reached an unbeaten stretch of 5-0 wins, one no-decision and a sparkling 2.45 ERA. In pushing his season mark to 6-2 after 11 starts, McClanhan has settled into a rhythm and mood which was not reached earlier this season.

“I have always been tough on myself,” McClanahan said after posting that 5-2 win over the Angels. “I always strive to be better and look, I’m here to help my team win and contribute.”

Since his return to the mound, McClanhan tends to elevate his pitch count and a factor field manager Kevin Cash is clearly aware. His May 31 effort against the Angels could be considered a microcosm.

Though he allowed a single to four hitters in the first inning, the veteran out of Baltimore labored through a 22-pitch opening frame, In the second, he hit the strike zone with greater frequency and recorded a first-pitch strike to all five hitters he faced in that frame.

From that point, McClanahan needed only nine pitchers to retire from the side in the third and seven in the fifth inning. In between, he ran the pitch count to 19 in the fourth and faced four hitters.

The total of 70 pitches for his five-inning outing was the second lowest of the season. Previously, McClanahan tossed 69 pitches in games against the Cubs on Apri 6 and Toronto on May 6.

“I think (McClanahan) is in a pretty good spot mentally, right now,” said Cash after that May 31 win over the Angels. “He’s very competitive like we have always known. I think he’s doing many things right now and finding that that groove.”

Bullpen addition … As quickly as the Rays inked pitcher Craig Kimbrel, the veteran reliever landed on the 15-day IR list. With a right wrist strain, the 36-year-old year-old out of Huntsville, Ala. placed inactive retro from May 28. “Absolutely, I have much left in the tank,” said Krimball, now with his 11^th major league team. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t have it.” Kimbrel appeared in one game with Tampa Bay, pitched one inning and allowed no runs. Then, landed on the IR.

In an effort to jump start a bullpen which started the season on fire and has since cooled, the Rays recalled righty Cam Booser from AAA Durham and sent down righty Trevor Martin. Right-hander Andrew Wantz, after he appeared in one game (1.2 innings, five earned runs, 27,00 ERA), was designated for assignment.

Next … The Detroit Tigers make their only visit to Tropicana Field for a three-game set, June 1-3. In the series opener, Detroit manager A. J. Hinch is undecided, and the Rays are scheduled to go with right-hander Griffin Jax (1-3, 3.60). In the middle game, look for lefty Steven Matz (4-2, 4.67) to oppose veteran right-hander Jack Flattery (0-7,5.81). In the series matinee finale, it’s righty Nick Martiznez (5-1, 1.62) going against righty Tony Melton (1-0, 1.42). … The Angels return home for a short three-game set against the Colorado Rockies. In that series opener, the Rox are uncertain and the Halos will go with right-hander Jose Soriano (6-4, 2.65).

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