SCOUTING REPORT: In addition to finding his control, McClanahan refined his changeup while working with high Class A Charlotte pitching coach Doc Watson. His fastball remains a plus-plus marvel. He can sit 93-98 mph and has touched 100. McClanahan explodes off the rubber to get to his velocity, though early in the season his arm struggled to catch up to his lower half. He doesn't need to rely on only one pitch because he shows excellent feel for spin. His power downer curveball gives him a second plus pitch, though it sometimes morphs into a hard, tilting slider. He started to figure out his changeup in the second half, though he needs to make more strides with the pitch.
THE FUTURE: The easiest assumption is to expect to see McClanahan turn into an impact reliever. His fastball and breaking balls need little projection for that role. But the improvement he's made in his control and with his changeup gives the Rays a reason to keep trying him as a starter. He'll be part of a potent roster at Double-A Montgomery.
