Shane McClanahan makes an emotional confession after his spring training debut

Tampa Bay Rais starting pitcher Shane McClanahan didn’t know what to expect when he took the mound Tuesday spring training game against the Philadelphia Phillies. The left-hander’s relationship with baseball has revolved around injuriessurgery and recovery over the past two and a half years, so there was no telling what emotions would come out.

Rais manager Kevin Cash just wanted to experience joyand while that was certainly the case for most of the afternoon, McClanahan also felt pensive. The two-time All-Star hasn’t had a taste of MLB action since last spring (he hasn’t played in the regular season since August 2023), but received a huge boost when he took the mound inside Charlotte Sports Park. And from his father, who passed away in January.

“I felt my dad here today,” McClanahan told reporters, per Ryan Bass , after pitching two scoreless innings in a 3-1 win over the Phillies. “First game he’s missed in my life. He definitely took that emotion with him a little bit.”

Although he obviously wanted his father in the stands to witness this milestone moment, the 28-year-old is incredibly grateful that he was able to bond with him during the game. McClanahan found the strength he needed to deal with the inevitable nerves and unpredictability that America’s Entertainment often throws at players. Now he can move forward with vital confidence.

“I forgot that’s how you’re supposed to feel on the mound,” the Cape Coral, Florida, native said as he grinned widely. “I forgot what a good feeling felt like. I definitely took it for granted my first few years in the league. I needed that, it was fun today.”

#Rais Ace Shane McClanahan, who was visibly emotional during and after his spring debut, said he felt the presence of his late father — James “Clancy” McClanahan — on the mound.

“I felt my dad here today,” McClanahan said. “First game he missed in my life. He definitely took you… pic.twitter.com/shkKK68Fst

— Ryan Bass (@Ri_Bass) March 3, 2026

Will Raisi get her ace back?

Shane McClanahan has endured an arduous journey just to get to this point. He underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and then suffered a nerve injury in his triceps last year. The Rays have been waiting for the 2018 first-round pick to once again be their ace. He took a big step in that direction on Tuesday afternoon.

McClanahan averaged 94 mph on his fastball and allowed just two singles against Philly. He hasn’t been pitching at full strength, by his own admission, so this is a deeply encouraging sign for the club and its fan base.

If he can stay the course and maintain a healthy outlook, McClanahan’s comeback saga has a chance to become one of the most compelling narratives of the 2026 campaign. The No. 18 isn’t into stories, though, he’s just happy to be doing what he loves again.