Rays' two-time All-Star was 'proud' to earn first win in 1,033 days

Rays' two-time All-Star was 'proud' to earn first win in 1,033 days originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Tampa Bay Rays are on a roll, winning their fourth straight game on Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox, 8-5. The Rays received a solid starting pitching performance from left-hander Shane McClanahan, who said he “blacked out” after going five innings for the first time in a long time.

Tampa Bay Rays Shane McClanahan was “proud” to earn his first win in over 1,000 days

“Some days you don’t think you’re going to get to this point again,” McClanahan said to Rays sideline reporter Ryan Bass. “I’m proud of who I’ve turned into and the work that I’ve put in, and I know it’s only going to get better.”

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This was the lefties' first win in 1,033 days.

McClanahan added: “I blacked out after that third out and that fifth inning, and just feel like the last three years of motions between surgeries and passing of my dad, and I just let it out,” And was probably the biggest adrenaline dump and emotional release that I've had in my, you know, my entire life.”

McClanahan, 28, is healthy for the first time in two years, as he missed 2024 (Tommy John surgery) and 2025 (a left triceps nerve-related issue) due to injuries. A two-time All-Star, McClanahan last made over 20+ starts in 2023 (21), where he went 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA.

McClanahan throwing five innings is a good sign for manager Kevin Cash and the Rays, as he could extend himself another inning next start. McClanahan only threw 83 pitches (49 strikes) against the White Sox.

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