“To go out there and do it Day 1 of (live batting practice) has got to be a good feeling for him,” Cash said. “Proud of the way that he’s gone about his work all offseason, and then to come in being very healthy-looking is such a bright spot for us.”

Shane McClanahan hasn't thrown a big-league pitch in over 18 months, but he has already earned the start for the Tampa Bay Rays' season opener against the Colorado Rockies on March 28.

Shane McClanahan was in the weight room at Charlotte Sports Park last Wednesday, sipping his pre-workout drink and getting ready to lift after his first bullpen session of camp, when strength and conditioning coach Bryan King told him that manager Kevin Cash wanted to see him.

The hard-throwing, intensely competitive lefty is recovered from Tommy John surgery. Now it’s about keeping him from doing too much.

Coming back from a major injury, the Rays have gave Shane McClanahan the nod to start on Opening Day against the Rockies.