Rays are now quite encouraged about Shane McClanahan’s progress

KANSAS CITY, Mo.

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.He looks great, pitching coach Kyle Snyder said.

He looks exactly like he did throwing on the side between outings in spring training.

I know its been a really frustrating few months, but I definitely feel like hes really turned the corner.

I talked him (Wednesday), no soreness, arm feels great, and hes just ready for the next day.More importantly, Snyder said, Hes going to help us.McClanahan paused his throwing program two weeks ago after not feeling 100% in his first full-distance bullpen session on June 7.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.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.Snyder, who saw video of the full session, said he is more encouraged now than at any time during the lengthy process.Its not even close, Snyder said.

Hes going to help us.

I have that level of confidence in terms of where he is, how far hes come, all that hes gone through the last three months and some of the uncertainty surrounding those things.McClanahan has not pitched in the majors since an August 2023 elbow injury that led to his second Tommy John surgery.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.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.Franco verdict expected ThursdayThe verdict in Rays shortstop Wander Francos trial in the Dominican Republic on sexual abuse charges is expected to be announced Thursday around 3 p.m.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.Franco, 24, has not played for the Rays since August 2023, when word of the relationship surfaced on social media.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 he signed in November 2021.If found innocent, Franco still could face discipline from Major League Baseball, which will continue its investigation once the legal process is concluded.

Thursdays verdict also can be appealed.MiscellanyThe 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.

A great sign of progress, manager Kevin Cash said.

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The Rays 11 hits all were singles, marking their second victory this season without an extra-base hit.

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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.

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Ha-Seong Kim played shortstop and went 0-for-4 for Triple-A Durham, giving him a .211 average through 17 games.

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