“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.

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

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