ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. – Rays ace Shane McClanahan had a good command of his pitches Monday in an afternoon spring training game against the Marlins at Tropicana Field.
I asked McClanahan specifically what he is working on.
“Everything,” McClanahan said. “There was a lot of at bats where it was 0-2 and then 3-2 because maybe throwing a different pitch than I’d normally be throwing, just to get the work in. Stuff like that. But I felt good. Everything was where I wanted it to be. A good stepping stone.”
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The Rays All-Star went two 2/3rds giving up just one hit with two strikeouts in 5-1 thanks to a three-run homer by Luke Raley in the third inning.
It’s an unusual spring for the Rays, starting workouts at Disney and then moving back to St. Pete for Grapefruit League home games. You won’t get any complaints from McClanahan.
“I’m living at my house,” McClanahan said with a big smile. “I’m pretty cool with it being here. I get to see my friends. I don’t have to pay two rents, so it’s kinda nice being here in my opinion, but we’ll see. I don’t know what the future holds, but I like it so far.”
The USF product had an outstanding first half of the season last year and was the American League All-Star starter. His second half wasn’t quite as dominant so he worked on improving his diet and his exercise routine. McClanahan even turned down an invitation to pitch for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic.
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“It’ll happen,” McClanahan said. “I just want to concentrate on this season.”
Sugar Shane likes the pitch clock and is now getting more used to it.
“I feel like I can dictate the at bat a little more,” McClanahan said. “Definitely felt like I had more time. Definitely wasn’t rushing, and I felt good.”
Bottom line, it’s early, but McClanahan is looking like an ace, and he feels good. Rays got some discouraging news last week when righty Tyler Glasnow went down with an oblique injury that’ll keep him out at least six to eight weeks.
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