Shane throws gas; Patiño feels strong; BP catcher honored

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Shane McClanahan will need a few more outings to build up his pitch count for the regular season. But the Rays left-hander’s stuff and command were in midseason form during his Spring Training debut against the Braves on Wednesday at CoolToday Park.

McClanahan’s fastball regularly hit 97-98 mph and touched 99 when he struck out Marcell Ozuna. He ripped a nasty 91 mph slider by Adam Duvall’s bat for another one of his three strikeouts. His curveball felt good, his changeup looked like the serviceable pitch he wants it to be and he threw 25 of 30 pitches for strikes over two innings to start the Rays’ 7-7 tie against the Braves.

“That’s basically where he's been, so very encouraging,” manager Kevin Cash said. “You want to see them, when they get into a game situation, that their stuff is very close to what it was when the season ended, and so far we've seen that for most of the guys.”

McClanahan allowed two solo homers in the second inning, one to Austin Riley on a first-pitch fastball and another to Dansby Swanson on a 3-0 fastball, but his line was hardly a concern. In his first game action since an ill-fated relief appearance in Game 4 of the American League Division Series, McClanahan looked every bit like the pitcher who led the Rays’ rotation in the second half last season.

Despite an abbreviated camp, McClanahan figured he’ll be prepared to throw five innings or 75 pitches in his first outing of the regular season.

“First and foremost, it's good to be back out there,” McClanahan said. “This is Spring Training. Obviously, it's more about just getting ready for the regular season, and so I feel like I'm in a good spot.”

Patiño feels good after bullpen session
A day after being scratched from his scheduled Spring Training start, right-hander Luis Patiño said he felt “really good” throwing about 20 pitches in a bullpen session at Charlotte Sports Park.

Patiño said he experienced some tightness in the back of his right shoulder, near his scapula, and informed pitching coach Kyle Snyder that he didn’t feel up to pitching Tuesday against the Red Sox. The 22-year-old said he believes the issue is behind him, though, and he’s set to pitch against his teammates Saturday in live batting practice.

“I think it was a smart move for me to be able to take an extra day in order to get that bullpen in when I felt better,” Patiño said through interpreter Manny Navarro. “Having a short [spring], you kind of have to be careful. Snyder and I always talk about being transparent, so that's why I said something.”

Honoring Jean Ramirez
The Rays gathered Wednesday morning for an emotional ceremony to unveil a “JR” banner outside the Charlotte Sports Park bullpen in remembrance of bullpen catcher Jean Ramirez, who died by suicide in January. His parents, Carlos and Toni, spoke to the team, as did Cash, Navarro and head clubhouse and equipment manager Tyler Wall.

“Jean was so loved, well-respected and was just part of us,” Cash said. “And to be able to express that with his parents here means a lot.”

The Rays will hold a moment of silence for Ramirez before Friday’s game against the Orioles in Port Charlotte, and all of Tampa Bay’s starters will honor Ramirez by wearing his No. 98. Their authenticated jerseys will be auctioned off in May as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, one of many efforts the Rays will make for the cause.

“Hopefully it goes a long way,” Cash said. “He's dearly missed.”

Worth noting
• The Rays agreed to contracts for this season with 20 of their 21 unsigned players who have zero to three years of Major League service time. They did not come to an agreement with outfielder Randy Arozarena, the AL Rookie of the Year, and unilaterally renewed his contract for this year.

• Cash was pleased to hear news of the pending agreement expanding active rosters from 26 to 28 players in April. Having two extra pitchers available during that time should allow the Rays to continue their starters’ gradual buildup without overworking any of their bullpen arms.

“We are finding out day to day how challenging it is on the pitching side and getting guys their innings, and I think that will help keep pitchers healthy, keep players healthy,” Cash said. “We play [13] straight [games] right out from Opening Day on. That's a pretty thick workload, and it will help to have the two extra roster spots.”

• Reliver Matt Wisler allowed a wind-aided two-run homer to Austin Riley in his Spring Training debut on Wednesday, but his biggest takeaway after a frustrating finish to last season was that he felt healthy and strong spinning his signature slider.

“That's the main thing, first and foremost,” said Wisler, who was bothered at the end of last season by right middle finger inflammation. “I've got some stuff I want to work on this week. But that's the first game of Spring Training, first time getting in game appearances and stuff, so it's good to get back.”

Up next
Right-hander Drew Rasmussen will make his spring debut as the Rays face the Twins on Thursday at Hammond Stadium in Fort Myers. Wander Franco, Brandon Lowe, Yandy Díaz, Kevin Kiermaier and Manuel Margot are also expected to make the trip. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. ET. Watch free on MLB.TV or listen live.