Rays' McClanahan: My late dad was 'watching' 1st spring start

Tampa Bay Rays left-hander Shane McClanahan said he could feel the presence of his father, who passed away Jan. 15, during his first start of spring Tuesday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

"I felt my dad here," McClanahan said postgame, according to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times. "That was exciting. First game he's missed in my life, and definitely took those emotions with me a little bit."

McClanahan, who hasn't pitched in the majors since August 2023 due to multiple injuries, looked to the sky as he came off the mound following the first inning.

"Had to make sure he was there watching, and I felt him," the 28-year-old added. "So, that was cool."

The two-time All-Star didn't allow a run on two hits with one strikeout on 23 pitches. He reached 96.7 mph with his fastball.

"I forgot that's how you're supposed to feel on the mound," McClanahan said." I forgot what feeling good feels like. Definitely took that for granted my first few years in the league. I needed that. That was fun."

McClanahan owns a career 3.02 ERA with 3.36 FIP and 10.1 K/9 over 404 2/3 innings (74 starts).