McClanahan's scoreless outing his longest start since June 2023

ST. PETERSBURG -- There is a phrase Shane McClanahan occasionally repeats when discussing his lofty expectations, one he brought up again Tuesday afternoon in the Rays clubhouse while discussing the high standard he sets for himself.

“If I’m here,” McClanahan said, “why not find out how good I can be?”

That was his mentality when he made himself one of the game’s best young starters and a two-time All-Star in 2022 and ‘23. After losing two and a half seasons to significant injuries, that mindset has guided McClanahan back to the top of his game.

After breezing through six shutout innings in his last start, McClanahan one-upped himself by holding the Yankees scoreless for 6 1/3 innings in the Rays’ 3-0 win on Wednesday night at Tropicana Field.

“Everything he did tonight was pretty spectacular,” manager Kevin Cash said of McClanahan.

The left-hander struck out five, didn’t issue a walk for the second straight start and pitched into the seventh inning for the first time since June 16, 2023. Now, he will head into the All-Star break with a 2.83 ERA in 17 starts.

The numbers are there. The stuff’s back. But does McClanahan think he’s fully returned to form?

“Close,” he said. “I think this is a time for reflection for myself and (to) just be super grateful and understand that this wasn't promised, this wasn't guaranteed. Worked my butt off every single day and trusted the guys here, and really, really pleased with how this first half has gone.”

The Rays have done their part to keep McClanahan in the mix. He pitched on seven days’ rest in Kansas City, and the team slotted in another bullpen game in Houston on Sunday to give the left-hander two extra days of rest before Wednesday’s start.

Those decisions were ultimately made with McClanahan’s workload in mind. It’s unlikely he’ll throw more than 150 innings this season, and he’s worked 86 so far. But he’s showing no signs of wear and tear. In fact, he looks as good as ever.

McClanahan said he doesn’t focus on his fastball velocity but noted pitching coach Kyle Snyder has consistently reminded him, “It’s going to come. It’s going to get better.” That has happened gradually, as Snyder predicted, and it took another leap on Wednesday.

McClanahan’s four-seam fastball averaged 96.7 mph against the Yankees, which was his exact average over a full season in 2022, and topped out at 98.9. His changeup was lethal, generating nine of his 12 swinging strikes and finishing four of his five strikeouts. And he relentlessly attacked the strike zone, throwing 17 first-pitch strikes to the 22 batters he faced and 59 strikes among his 85 total pitches on the night.

After a couple misplays in the field recently, McClanahan even made a run-saving defensive effort in the second inning. With runners on the corners and one out, he calmly fielded a comebacker from Max Schuemann and flipped it from his glove to catcher Nick Fortes, who tagged out Jasson Domínguez at the plate.

“To be able to prove myself and show what I've been working on and kind of show who I am, it was nice,” McClanahan said. “To keep a run off the board was huge.”

That began a streak of 11 straight batters retired by McClanahan. After a leadoff bunt single, Fortes caught José Caballero stealing second after McClanahan struck out Paul Goldschmidt, then McClanahan struck out Ben Rice to end the sixth.

“I think we all kind of assumed that it was going to take a little bit for him to get his feet under him. He's been unbelievable,” Fortes said. “He'll tell you that he probably hasn't been great, but from us looking at it, he's one of the best starting pitchers in the game, especially lefties.”

The top of the order provided McClanahan’s support against Yankees starter Gerrit Cole. Yandy Díaz continued his return to form with a 4-for-4 night at the plate, and Jonathan Aranda went 2-for-3 with three RBIs.

“I did not handle the top two guys well,” Cole said. “With that said, Yandy just had a great night, and so did Aranda. They’re great hitters. I wish I made it a little tougher on them.”

The Rays have opened a five-game lead over the Yankees in the American League East and need just one more victory to secure the season series. They should have a good chance in Thursday’s series finale behind All-Star Drew Rasmussen, especially after seeing their pitchers rack up 45 strikeouts with only two walks the past three nights.

“I can't say enough about the work these guys have put in,” McClanahan said. “And they still get to face Drew tomorrow, which is crazy.”