The start of MLB Spring Training means that baseball is back, but for two guys with ties to Southwest Florida, it’s the start of their comeback season.Boston Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford said, “It’s been a long road, but we’re getting a lot closer to being on the field.”Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan said, “It took about a month and a half for me to move my middle finger, which is really weird. I have to say, I have a really good appreciation for normal daily life now.”In Fort Myers, Crawford, a former FGCU Eagle, is working his way back after an injury-plagued season.After spending time on the injured list last spring with a knee injury, Kutter suffered a freak wrist injury at home and underwent season-ending surgery.Fast forward to now, and he’s throwing bullpen sessions as his return inches closer.Crawford said, “Right now in spring training, we’re just taking things day by day and each mound session as it is and moving the needle forward and making progress in the right direction.”Over at Charlotte Sports Park, it hasn’t been the sweetest of times for Sugar Shane.The Cape Coral alum has not pitched in the MLB since August 2023 after Tommy John and nerve surgeries in his elbow.He’s faced some serious adversity, changing his perspective not just on baseball, but on life.McClanahan said, “The last few years have been quite challenging on me as a person with these injuries and some family matters, and so I feel more like a complete player. I needed to grow up a little bit, and so I’m pretty proud of that evolution that I’ve had as a player.”The good news is that McClanahan says he has no restrictions heading into 2026.Baseball fans everywhere are manifesting a year of good health for both of these pitchers. DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.

The start of MLB Spring Training means that baseball is back, but for two guys with ties to Southwest Florida, it’s the start of their comeback season.

Boston Red Sox pitcher Kutter Crawford said, “It’s been a long road, but we’re getting a lot closer to being on the field.”

Tampa Bay Rays pitcher Shane McClanahan said, “It took about a month and a half for me to move my middle finger, which is really weird. I have to say, I have a really good appreciation for normal daily life now.”

In Fort Myers, Crawford, a former FGCU Eagle, is working his way back after an injury-plagued season.

After spending time on the injured list last spring with a knee injury, Kutter suffered a freak wrist injury at home and underwent season-ending surgery.

Fast forward to now, and he’s throwing bullpen sessions as his return inches closer.

Crawford said, “Right now in spring training, we’re just taking things day by day and each mound session as it is and moving the needle forward and making progress in the right direction.”

Over at Charlotte Sports Park, it hasn’t been the sweetest of times for Sugar Shane.

The Cape Coral alum has not pitched in the MLB since August 2023 after Tommy John and nerve surgeries in his elbow.

He’s faced some serious adversity, changing his perspective not just on baseball, but on life.

McClanahan said, “The last few years have been quite challenging on me as a person with these injuries and some family matters, and so I feel more like a complete player. I needed to grow up a little bit, and so I’m pretty proud of that evolution that I’ve had as a player.”

The good news is that McClanahan says he has no restrictions heading into 2026.

Baseball fans everywhere are manifesting a year of good health for both of these pitchers.

DOWNLOAD the free Gulf Coast News app for your latest news and alerts on breaking news, weather, sports, entertainment, and more on your phone or tablet. And check out the Very Local Gulf Coast app to stream news, entertainment and original programming on your TV.