The Rays' ace, Shane McClanahan, is back and better than ever. In a recent game against the Blue Jays, McClanahan showcased his dominance, striking out seven and not allowing a hit until the fifth inning. This performance extended his career-best scoreless streak to 21 2/3 innings, a remarkable feat that has not gone unnoticed by his manager, Kevin Cash.
What makes McClanahan's resurgence even more impressive is the context. After battling injuries for 2 1/2 seasons, he is now back on the mound with an ERA of 2.27, which is the fifth-best in the American League among pitchers who have worked at least 35 innings. His performance has been nothing short of ace-like, with 41 strikeouts and only 24 hits allowed in 39 2/3 innings. The left-hander's control has also improved, as he has only issued four walks over his last five outings.
McClanahan's success can be attributed to his ability to sync up his pitches. His fastball velocity has ticked up, and his offspeed stuff continues to shine. The Rays are being cautious with his workload, ensuring he doesn't overexert himself, but his performance has been a testament to his hard work and dedication.
One of the most notable aspects of McClanahan's game is his changeup. It has been described as 'unhittable', keeping the Jays' right-handed hitters off-balance. He finished with at least one strikeout using each of his four pitches, including four with his changeup. The Rays' offense also provided early support, with Jonny DeLuca and Cedric Mullins driving in runs.
However, the Blue Jays mounted a comeback in the seventh inning, erasing the Rays' lead with a five-run inning. Despite this setback, McClanahan's performance against the struggling Blue Jays was a significant factor in the Rays' 16-2 record over their last 18 games and 28-13 overall standing.
McClanahan's success has not gone unnoticed, and Cash believes he should be feeling good about his current form. The question now is whether this resurgence will continue and if McClanahan can maintain his dominant performance as the season progresses.
