KANSAS CITY, Mo. \u2014 Shane McClanahan has overcome the physical and mental hurdles that previously slowed his return from a spring triceps nerve issue and is tracking toward a return to the Rays rotation, potentially by early August.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe looks great,\u201d pitching coach Kyle Snyder said. \u201cHe looks exactly like he did throwing on the side between outings in spring training. I know it\u2019s been a really frustrating few months, but I definitely feel like he\u2019s really turned the corner. I talked him (Wednesday), no soreness, arm feels great, and he\u2019s just ready for the next day.\u201d<\/p>\n
More importantly, Snyder said, \u201cHe\u2019s going to help us.\u201d<\/p>\n
McClanahan paused his throwing program two weeks ago after not feeling 100% in his first full-distance bullpen session on June 7. <\/p>\n
He wanted more medical opinions, and a visit to nerve specialist Dr. Gregory Pearl in Dallas provided some peace of mind that all was good.<\/p>\n
McClanahan resumed throwing off the mound at a slightly reduced distance (with the catcher in front of the plate), and his Tuesday session in Tampa went very well. Enough that the two-time All-Star posted a video clip on his Instagram account. Also, he hit 92 mph on his final pitch.<\/p>\n
Snyder, who saw video of the full session, said he is more encouraged now than at any time during the lengthy process.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s not even close,\u201d Snyder said. \u201cHe\u2019s going to help us. I have that level of confidence in terms of where he is, how far he\u2019s come, all that he\u2019s gone through the last three months and some of the uncertainty surrounding those things.\u201d<\/p>\n
McClanahan has not pitched in the majors since an August 2023 elbow injury that led to his second Tommy John surgery.<\/p>\n
He had a strong spring training and was in line to be the opening day starter until the nerve issue forced him from a March 22 outing.<\/p>\n
He still will have to advance through several stages before returning, starting with a full-distance bullpen session, which may come as soon as Friday. After several of those, live batting practice and several rehab starts will follow.<\/p>\n
Franco verdict expected ThursdayWander Franco rubs his eyes during his trial Monday in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic. The Rays shortstop is charged with sexual abuse of a minor. [\u00a0RICARDO HERNANDEZ | AP\u00a0]<\/p>\n
The verdict in Rays shortstop Wander Franco\u2019s trial in the Dominican Republic on sexual abuse charges is expected to be announced Thursday around 3 p.m.<\/p>\n
Prosecutors have asked for a five-year prison sentence if Franco is convicted of the charge, which stems from an alleged relationship with a minor that they said started in December 2022 and lasted until February 2023. Franco was 21 at the time, the girl 14.<\/p>\n
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Explore all your options<\/a><\/p>\n Franco, 24, has not played for the Rays since August 2023, when word of the relationship surfaced on social media.<\/p>\n He has not been paid since charges were filed in July 2024, but the Rays after this season will still owe him $164 million of the $182 million, 11-year contract<\/a> he signed in November 2021.<\/p>\n If found innocent, Franco still could face discipline from Major League Baseball, which will continue its investigation once the legal process is concluded. Thursday\u2019s verdict also can be appealed.<\/p>\n Miscellany<\/p>\n The Rays were pleased to get to 10 games over .500 for the first time this season at 45-35, having been five under (21-26) on May 19. \u201cA great sign of progress,\u201d manager Kevin Cash said. … The Rays\u2019 11 hits all were singles, marking their second victory this season without an extra-base hit. … Cash said starter Drew Rasmussen was limited to five innings (and 62 pitches) by design, a planned shorter start as part of their effort to manage his workload in his first season back in the rotation following a third elbow surgery. … Ha-Seong Kim played shortstop and went 0-for-4 for Triple-A Durham, giving him a .211 average through 17 games.<\/p>\n \u2022 \u2022 \u2022<\/p>\n Sign up for our Sports Today newsletter<\/a> to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida.<\/p>\n Every weekday, tune into our Sports Day Tampa Bay podcast<\/a> to hear reporter Rick Stroud break down the biggest stories in Tampa Bay sports.<\/p>\n Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Follow our coverage on X<\/a> and Facebook<\/a>.<\/p>\n