Pitching for the first time since August 2023 elbow surgery, the ace lefty is pleased with just about everything.

It had been 578 days since Shane McClanahan scaled the mound to face a hitter wearing another uniform, almost 19 months to the day since his last start at Yankee Stadium on Aug. 2, 2023.

Shane McClanahan already missed the entire 2024 season recovering from Tommy John surgery, and the Tampa Bay Rays could be truly lost if he gets knocked out again in 2025.

“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.”

An outfield full of question marks, a roster crunch in the infield and the potential of another ace emerging have stand out as storylines for the Tampa Bay Rays with Opening Day one month out.

BRADENTON — Friday was debut day for five notable members of the Rays pitching staff, and for the most part they made good first impressions in a 3-2 loss to Pittsburgh. Starter Ryan Pepiot ...