Cape Coral's Shane McClanahan prepares for Rays return after two years

Shane McClanahan, the former Cape Coral High School star, is ready to return to the baseball field with a fresh perspective after two difficult years.

Back-to-back season-ending injuries kept the Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher from throwing a pitch in a game since August 2023.

"It's crazy how much you miss this," McClanahan said.

McClanahan is back on the mound after dealing with two significant injuries.

"This has tested me physically and emotionally," he said.

The Cape Coral High School graduate underwent his second Tommy John surgery in 2024.

"Got through the Tommy John, had a good offseason, and came into camp feeling pretty good ready to go. Ultimately, freak things happen sometimes," McClanahan said.

A freak nerve injury in his tricep ended his comeback bid and his 2025 season.

"Not being able to use my fingers for a couple of months sucked to be honest with you. That was weird. That was a really really challenging time. You can't feel anything. You can't feel your fingers, can't grab anything," McClanahan said.

Tampa Bay Rays manager Kevin Cash shared insights on McClanahan's second injury.

"The second injury was so unique, none of us really, we needed to be patient for him because he certainly didn't want to be patient. He wanted to do everything he could to get out on the mound and contribute, compete cause that's who he is," Cash said.

Now, McClanahan is back throwing again as the Rays open spring training.

"Having his presence and having that type of pitcher back in our rotation, that's only going to make us even better," said Ryan Pepiot, a fellow Rays pitcher.

"Glad to have that end goal, that finish line in sight," McClanahan said.

Through his time away, McClanahan gained a greater appreciation for the little things.

"Being in the clubhouse with the guys, you know the bus rides to the field and the plane rides. Like you obviously miss playing, but you don't realize until you get it taken away how special this atmosphere is," he said.

McClanahan believes fans will see a new side of him when they reunite with him on the hill.

"Maybe a bit more professional a bit more emotionally put together. The last few years have been quite challenging as a person with these injuries some family matters. And so I feel a bit more of a complete player and need to grow up a bit," he said.

McClanahan shared his personal evolution through these challenging moments.

"I learned how to find happiness in everyday life as aside from the baseball field. I think that's one thing I'm pretty proud of is I kind of got rid of that identity as you know I'm a baseball player. That's all I am. That's all I do. You know really challenging for two years to not have that. Told myself you can either sit here be pissy and hate your life. Or you can find the positive in each day. It's kind of what my dad would want and so you know try to make him proud," he said.

McClanahan got emotional talking about his dad, James, who passed away earlier this year. In January, Shane posted a tribute to his dad, calling him his biggest inspiration, supporter, fan, and the best coach anyone could have.