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IFL 2025-26: Diamond Harbour edge Chanmari 2-0 to remain on top of table  Diamond Harbour FC ensured that it remained top with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chanmari FC in the Championship phase of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.Antonio Moyano gave Diamond Harbour the lead in the 35th minute and the game was put to bed late in the 87th minute by substitute R. Ramdinthara. Antonio Moyano was named Player of the Match.Diamond Harbour consolidated its top spot with 25 points from 10 matches, while Chanmari remained fifth with 11 points from the same number of matches.Chanmari FC head coach Dipankur Sharma made one change to his attack, with KC Malsawmsanga replacing Aron Vanlalrinchhana. Meanwhile, Kibu Vicuña handed wing-back K. Ajith Kumar his first start of the season in place of Naresh Singh and also brought in Sunday Afolabi for Hugo Díaz in midfield.Both sides struggled to break down each other’s defence, with the game played in tight spaces and much of the battle unfolding in midfield as they contested possession. Chanmari looked sharp in attack, with Jota and KC Malsawmsanga using their pace to drive forward, while Diamond Harbour built its moves patiently and posed a threat in transition.The visitor almost scored midway through the first half with a well-worked move. Luka Majcen was released down the left wing and the striker found Antonio Moyano inside the box. The midfielder turned and hit a shot towards goal which was well saved by goalkeeper Zothanmawia, and the rebound was dragged wide by Paul Ramfangzauva.Diamond Harbour took the lead in the 35th minute through the individual brilliance of Moyano. The Spaniard received the ball on the edge of the box, dodged a couple of defenders and sent a powerful shot that hit the post and found the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.ALSO READ: ‘You’ll only know at toss’: Anukul tight-lipped about Pathirana playing LSG-KKR clashChanmari looked threatening going forward, but the side from Aizawl lacked final output, with its forwards attempting shots from distance and showing a lack of composure. Malsawmsanga, Pepe and Lalruatsanga all had attempts on goal, but they did not trouble Dheeraj Singh as Diamond Harbour took its one-goal advantage into the break.The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chanmari starting brightly while Diamond Harbour looked to slow the tempo. Malsawmsanga, who continued to trouble the defence with his pace, tested Dheeraj with a low shot across goal, forcing a fingertip save from the goalkeeper.At the other end, Zothanmawia produced an acrobatic save to keep out Melroy Assisi’s header from a set-piece around the hour mark. The visitor was content to retain possession in the opposition half, looking to create chances through set-pieces and quick counter-attacks.The league leader looked firmly in control and rarely appeared under pressure despite Chanmari’s search for an equaliser. It eventually sealed the game three minutes from time, as substitute Ramdinthara beat his marker at the far post and headed home Bryce Miranda’s cross from the left to secure all three points.The home side pushed to salvage something late on, but Diamond Harbour, despite not being at its best, saw out the game comfortably to secure only its second clean sheet of the season.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #IFL #Diamond #Harbour #edge #Chanmari #remain #top #table

IFL 2025-26: Diamond Harbour edge Chanmari 2-0 to remain on top of table

Diamond Harbour FC ensured that it remained top with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chanmari FC in the Championship phase of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.

Antonio Moyano gave Diamond Harbour the lead in the 35th minute and the game was put to bed late in the 87th minute by substitute R. Ramdinthara. Antonio Moyano was named Player of the Match.

Diamond Harbour consolidated its top spot with 25 points from 10 matches, while Chanmari remained fifth with 11 points from the same number of matches.

Chanmari FC head coach Dipankur Sharma made one change to his attack, with KC Malsawmsanga replacing Aron Vanlalrinchhana. Meanwhile, Kibu Vicuña handed wing-back K. Ajith Kumar his first start of the season in place of Naresh Singh and also brought in Sunday Afolabi for Hugo Díaz in midfield.

Both sides struggled to break down each other’s defence, with the game played in tight spaces and much of the battle unfolding in midfield as they contested possession. Chanmari looked sharp in attack, with Jota and KC Malsawmsanga using their pace to drive forward, while Diamond Harbour built its moves patiently and posed a threat in transition.

The visitor almost scored midway through the first half with a well-worked move. Luka Majcen was released down the left wing and the striker found Antonio Moyano inside the box. The midfielder turned and hit a shot towards goal which was well saved by goalkeeper Zothanmawia, and the rebound was dragged wide by Paul Ramfangzauva.

Diamond Harbour took the lead in the 35th minute through the individual brilliance of Moyano. The Spaniard received the ball on the edge of the box, dodged a couple of defenders and sent a powerful shot that hit the post and found the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

ALSO READ: ‘You’ll only know at toss’: Anukul tight-lipped about Pathirana playing LSG-KKR clash

Chanmari looked threatening going forward, but the side from Aizawl lacked final output, with its forwards attempting shots from distance and showing a lack of composure. Malsawmsanga, Pepe and Lalruatsanga all had attempts on goal, but they did not trouble Dheeraj Singh as Diamond Harbour took its one-goal advantage into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chanmari starting brightly while Diamond Harbour looked to slow the tempo. Malsawmsanga, who continued to trouble the defence with his pace, tested Dheeraj with a low shot across goal, forcing a fingertip save from the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Zothanmawia produced an acrobatic save to keep out Melroy Assisi’s header from a set-piece around the hour mark. The visitor was content to retain possession in the opposition half, looking to create chances through set-pieces and quick counter-attacks.

The league leader looked firmly in control and rarely appeared under pressure despite Chanmari’s search for an equaliser. It eventually sealed the game three minutes from time, as substitute Ramdinthara beat his marker at the far post and headed home Bryce Miranda’s cross from the left to secure all three points.

The home side pushed to salvage something late on, but Diamond Harbour, despite not being at its best, saw out the game comfortably to secure only its second clean sheet of the season.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#IFL #Diamond #Harbour #edge #Chanmari #remain #top #table

Diamond Harbour FC ensured that it remained top with a comfortable 2-0 victory over Chanmari FC in the Championship phase of the Indian Football League at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium in Aizawl on Saturday.

Antonio Moyano gave Diamond Harbour the lead in the 35th minute and the game was put to bed late in the 87th minute by substitute R. Ramdinthara. Antonio Moyano was named Player of the Match.

Diamond Harbour consolidated its top spot with 25 points from 10 matches, while Chanmari remained fifth with 11 points from the same number of matches.

Chanmari FC head coach Dipankur Sharma made one change to his attack, with KC Malsawmsanga replacing Aron Vanlalrinchhana. Meanwhile, Kibu Vicuña handed wing-back K. Ajith Kumar his first start of the season in place of Naresh Singh and also brought in Sunday Afolabi for Hugo Díaz in midfield.

Both sides struggled to break down each other’s defence, with the game played in tight spaces and much of the battle unfolding in midfield as they contested possession. Chanmari looked sharp in attack, with Jota and KC Malsawmsanga using their pace to drive forward, while Diamond Harbour built its moves patiently and posed a threat in transition.

The visitor almost scored midway through the first half with a well-worked move. Luka Majcen was released down the left wing and the striker found Antonio Moyano inside the box. The midfielder turned and hit a shot towards goal which was well saved by goalkeeper Zothanmawia, and the rebound was dragged wide by Paul Ramfangzauva.

Diamond Harbour took the lead in the 35th minute through the individual brilliance of Moyano. The Spaniard received the ball on the edge of the box, dodged a couple of defenders and sent a powerful shot that hit the post and found the back of the net for his fifth goal of the season.

ALSO READ: ‘You’ll only know at toss’: Anukul tight-lipped about Pathirana playing LSG-KKR clash

Chanmari looked threatening going forward, but the side from Aizawl lacked final output, with its forwards attempting shots from distance and showing a lack of composure. Malsawmsanga, Pepe and Lalruatsanga all had attempts on goal, but they did not trouble Dheeraj Singh as Diamond Harbour took its one-goal advantage into the break.

The second half followed a similar pattern, with Chanmari starting brightly while Diamond Harbour looked to slow the tempo. Malsawmsanga, who continued to trouble the defence with his pace, tested Dheeraj with a low shot across goal, forcing a fingertip save from the goalkeeper.

At the other end, Zothanmawia produced an acrobatic save to keep out Melroy Assisi’s header from a set-piece around the hour mark. The visitor was content to retain possession in the opposition half, looking to create chances through set-pieces and quick counter-attacks.

The league leader looked firmly in control and rarely appeared under pressure despite Chanmari’s search for an equaliser. It eventually sealed the game three minutes from time, as substitute Ramdinthara beat his marker at the far post and headed home Bryce Miranda’s cross from the left to secure all three points.

The home side pushed to salvage something late on, but Diamond Harbour, despite not being at its best, saw out the game comfortably to secure only its second clean sheet of the season.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

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#IFL #Diamond #Harbour #edge #Chanmari #remain #top #table

Jamshedpur FC produced a commanding performance to defeat Chennaiyin FC 4-1 in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday.

A brace by Sanan Mohammed, along with goals from Raphaël Messi Bouli and Nikola Stojanović, secured three points for the host after five matches. It climbs to fourth in the standings with 18 points, while Chennaiyin FC remains 10th with nine points.

Jamshedpur took the lead in the seventh minute through Sanan. A well-worked move down the right saw Rosenberg Gabriel deliver a low cross into the box. While Messi Bouli failed to connect, the ball fell to Sanan’s foot, who fired home from close range to give the host an early advantage.

The momentum stayed with Jamshedpur, which continued to press forward and create chances through Talal and Stojanović, both of whom came close from distance. Chennaiyin, however, remained a threat on the break and was unlucky not to equalise when Irfan Yadwad struck the post following a neat pass from Mandar Dessai.

Jamshedpur doubled its lead in the 27th minute. Nikhil Barla floated in an inviting cross from the left, and Messi Bouli rose highest to head the ball into the top corner, making it 2-0. The host continued to dominate proceedings, creating multiple opportunities before the break, but was unable to extend its lead further.

ALSO READ | Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

Chennaiyin attempted to respond after the restart and saw more of the ball in the early stages of the second half, but struggled to break down a disciplined Jamshedpur defence, with Albino Gomes producing another sharp save to deny Daniel Chima.

Jamshedpur struck again in the 58th minute to effectively seal the contest. Following a quick transition from a goal kick, Sanan found space behind the Chennaiyin defence, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home his second of the night to make it 3-0.

Chennaiyin pulled one back in the 68th minute through Prakadeswaran S, who cut inside from the right and curled a fine effort into the top corner, offering the visitor a glimmer of hope.

However, Jamshedpur restored its three-goal cushion ten minutes later. A well-worked move involving Rosenberg Gabriel and Rei Tachikawa saw the ball worked across to Stojanović, who finished clinically from close range to make it 4-1.

Both sides continued to push forward in the closing stages, but neither could add to the scoreline as Jamshedpur comfortably saw out the match.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Jamshedpur #thrashes #Chennaiyin #reignites #ISL #title #hopes">Jamshedpur FC thrashes Chennaiyin FC, reignites ISL title hopes  Jamshedpur FC produced a commanding performance to defeat Chennaiyin FC 4-1 in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday.A brace by Sanan Mohammed, along with goals from Raphaël Messi Bouli and Nikola Stojanović, secured three points for the host after five matches. It climbs to fourth in the standings with 18 points, while Chennaiyin FC remains 10th with nine points.Jamshedpur took the lead in the seventh minute through Sanan. A well-worked move down the right saw Rosenberg Gabriel deliver a low cross into the box. While Messi Bouli failed to connect, the ball fell to Sanan’s foot, who fired home from close range to give the host an early advantage.The momentum stayed with Jamshedpur, which continued to press forward and create chances through Talal and Stojanović, both of whom came close from distance. Chennaiyin, however, remained a threat on the break and was unlucky not to equalise when Irfan Yadwad struck the post following a neat pass from Mandar Dessai.Jamshedpur doubled its lead in the 27th minute. Nikhil Barla floated in an inviting cross from the left, and Messi Bouli rose highest to head the ball into the top corner, making it 2-0. The host continued to dominate proceedings, creating multiple opportunities before the break, but was unable to extend its lead further.ALSO READ | Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless drawChennaiyin attempted to respond after the restart and saw more of the ball in the early stages of the second half, but struggled to break down a disciplined Jamshedpur defence, with Albino Gomes producing another sharp save to deny Daniel Chima.Jamshedpur struck again in the 58th minute to effectively seal the contest. Following a quick transition from a goal kick, Sanan found space behind the Chennaiyin defence, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home his second of the night to make it 3-0.Chennaiyin pulled one back in the 68th minute through Prakadeswaran S, who cut inside from the right and curled a fine effort into the top corner, offering the visitor a glimmer of hope.However, Jamshedpur restored its three-goal cushion ten minutes later. A well-worked move involving Rosenberg Gabriel and Rei Tachikawa saw the ball worked across to Stojanović, who finished clinically from close range to make it 4-1.Both sides continued to push forward in the closing stages, but neither could add to the scoreline as Jamshedpur comfortably saw out the match.Published on Apr 25, 2026  #Jamshedpur #thrashes #Chennaiyin #reignites #ISL #title #hopes

Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

Chennaiyin attempted to respond after the restart and saw more of the ball in the early stages of the second half, but struggled to break down a disciplined Jamshedpur defence, with Albino Gomes producing another sharp save to deny Daniel Chima.

Jamshedpur struck again in the 58th minute to effectively seal the contest. Following a quick transition from a goal kick, Sanan found space behind the Chennaiyin defence, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home his second of the night to make it 3-0.

Chennaiyin pulled one back in the 68th minute through Prakadeswaran S, who cut inside from the right and curled a fine effort into the top corner, offering the visitor a glimmer of hope.

However, Jamshedpur restored its three-goal cushion ten minutes later. A well-worked move involving Rosenberg Gabriel and Rei Tachikawa saw the ball worked across to Stojanović, who finished clinically from close range to make it 4-1.

Both sides continued to push forward in the closing stages, but neither could add to the scoreline as Jamshedpur comfortably saw out the match.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Jamshedpur #thrashes #Chennaiyin #reignites #ISL #title #hopes">Jamshedpur FC thrashes Chennaiyin FC, reignites ISL title hopes

Jamshedpur FC produced a commanding performance to defeat Chennaiyin FC 4-1 in Indian Super League 2025-26 at the JRD Tata Sports Complex on Saturday.

A brace by Sanan Mohammed, along with goals from Raphaël Messi Bouli and Nikola Stojanović, secured three points for the host after five matches. It climbs to fourth in the standings with 18 points, while Chennaiyin FC remains 10th with nine points.

Jamshedpur took the lead in the seventh minute through Sanan. A well-worked move down the right saw Rosenberg Gabriel deliver a low cross into the box. While Messi Bouli failed to connect, the ball fell to Sanan’s foot, who fired home from close range to give the host an early advantage.

The momentum stayed with Jamshedpur, which continued to press forward and create chances through Talal and Stojanović, both of whom came close from distance. Chennaiyin, however, remained a threat on the break and was unlucky not to equalise when Irfan Yadwad struck the post following a neat pass from Mandar Dessai.

Jamshedpur doubled its lead in the 27th minute. Nikhil Barla floated in an inviting cross from the left, and Messi Bouli rose highest to head the ball into the top corner, making it 2-0. The host continued to dominate proceedings, creating multiple opportunities before the break, but was unable to extend its lead further.

ALSO READ | Mumbai City, Bengaluru play out goalless draw

Chennaiyin attempted to respond after the restart and saw more of the ball in the early stages of the second half, but struggled to break down a disciplined Jamshedpur defence, with Albino Gomes producing another sharp save to deny Daniel Chima.

Jamshedpur struck again in the 58th minute to effectively seal the contest. Following a quick transition from a goal kick, Sanan found space behind the Chennaiyin defence, rounded the goalkeeper and calmly slotted home his second of the night to make it 3-0.

Chennaiyin pulled one back in the 68th minute through Prakadeswaran S, who cut inside from the right and curled a fine effort into the top corner, offering the visitor a glimmer of hope.

However, Jamshedpur restored its three-goal cushion ten minutes later. A well-worked move involving Rosenberg Gabriel and Rei Tachikawa saw the ball worked across to Stojanović, who finished clinically from close range to make it 4-1.

Both sides continued to push forward in the closing stages, but neither could add to the scoreline as Jamshedpur comfortably saw out the match.

Published on Apr 25, 2026

#Jamshedpur #thrashes #Chennaiyin #reignites #ISL #title #hopes
Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan takes next step on comeback trail as Twins await  Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan will continue his comeback from two major arm surgeries on Saturday afternoon when the Rays face the Minnesota Twins in the second game of a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla.   McClanahan (1-2, 5.00 ERA), a two-time All-Star, missed over two seasons with injuries. He was 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts in 2023 before he underwent Tommy John surgery that August.   After missing the entire 2024 season while rehabbing, McClanahan suffered a left triceps injury in a 2025 spring training game. He eventually underwent surgery to repair nerves in his triceps area, causing him to miss a second straight season.   Saturday will mark McClanahan’s fifth start of 2026. He comes in off a 6-3 loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday in a game in which he allowed four runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.   Perhaps the more important stats, however, came on the radar gun. McClanahan’s velocity improved to an average of 95.5 mph on his fastball, and he had seven pitches that touched 97 mph or more. He had accomplished that feat just twice in his first three outings.   “I felt today was probably the best I’ve thrown all year — in a really long time, for that matter,” McClanahan, 28, told MLB.com. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t go your way sometimes. Obviously, it was a great step (and) felt good, but I want to win.”   “I was very encouraged by Shane’s outing,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “The velocity alone was encouraging to see. Very happy. I think he took a big step.”   Minnesota has lost seven of the past eight games. Tampa Bay enters action on Saturday in second place in the American League East, just 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees. Should McClanahan return to his old form, the Rays figure to have a big say in the division title race.    Tampa Bay opened the series vs. Minnesota with a 6-2 victory on Friday as Junior Caminero hit a pair of tape-measure homers and drove in three runs, and Jonathan Aranda also homered twice. Drew Rasmussen picked up his second win, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six.    All four of the home runs came off Twins starter and ex-Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, who hadn’t allowed a homer in his five previous starts while compiling a glossy 1.63 ERA.   “I didn’t know he hadn’t given up a homer, but it makes sense because his stuff is really good right now,” Cash said. “We were fortunate that we could get some pitches that we could handle and put some really good swings on them. Two powerful guys (Caminero and Aranda) who were behind the ball and knocked them a long ways.”   Caminero’s first home run traveled 450-feet over the batter’s eye in center field. His second caromed near the top of the batter’s eye and traveled “only” 435 feet.   “Those weren’t cheap ones that Caminero hit,” Minnesota manager Derek Shelton said. “This kid (age 22) is going to be one of the best young hitters in the game for a long time. Tonight, he showed why.”  Right-hander Bailey Ober (2-0, 4.15 ERA) will be tasked with turning off the Rays’ power on Saturday. He allowed just an unearned run and three hits while striking out 10 over 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start Sunday against Cincinnati. He wasn’t part of the decision in a 7-4, 10-inning loss after departing with a 2-1 lead.  Ober is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay. He pitched against them on April 3 and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in a no-decision in his team’s 10-4 win.  McClanahan is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA against the Twins, though he has not pitched against them since 2022.  The Rays took two of three games in the teams’ early April series in Minneapolis.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #takes #step #comeback #trail #Twins #awaitApr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan will continue his comeback from two major arm surgeries on Saturday afternoon when the Rays face the Minnesota Twins in the second game of a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla.

McClanahan (1-2, 5.00 ERA), a two-time All-Star, missed over two seasons with injuries. He was 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts in 2023 before he underwent Tommy John surgery that August.

After missing the entire 2024 season while rehabbing, McClanahan suffered a left triceps injury in a 2025 spring training game. He eventually underwent surgery to repair nerves in his triceps area, causing him to miss a second straight season.

Saturday will mark McClanahan’s fifth start of 2026. He comes in off a 6-3 loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday in a game in which he allowed four runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.

Perhaps the more important stats, however, came on the radar gun. McClanahan’s velocity improved to an average of 95.5 mph on his fastball, and he had seven pitches that touched 97 mph or more. He had accomplished that feat just twice in his first three outings.

“I felt today was probably the best I’ve thrown all year — in a really long time, for that matter,” McClanahan, 28, told MLB.com. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t go your way sometimes. Obviously, it was a great step (and) felt good, but I want to win.”

“I was very encouraged by Shane’s outing,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “The velocity alone was encouraging to see. Very happy. I think he took a big step.”

Minnesota has lost seven of the past eight games. Tampa Bay enters action on Saturday in second place in the American League East, just 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees. Should McClanahan return to his old form, the Rays figure to have a big say in the division title race.


Tampa Bay opened the series vs. Minnesota with a 6-2 victory on Friday as Junior Caminero hit a pair of tape-measure homers and drove in three runs, and Jonathan Aranda also homered twice. Drew Rasmussen picked up his second win, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six.

All four of the home runs came off Twins starter and ex-Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, who hadn’t allowed a homer in his five previous starts while compiling a glossy 1.63 ERA.

“I didn’t know he hadn’t given up a homer, but it makes sense because his stuff is really good right now,” Cash said. “We were fortunate that we could get some pitches that we could handle and put some really good swings on them. Two powerful guys (Caminero and Aranda) who were behind the ball and knocked them a long ways.”

Caminero’s first home run traveled 450-feet over the batter’s eye in center field. His second caromed near the top of the batter’s eye and traveled “only” 435 feet.

“Those weren’t cheap ones that Caminero hit,” Minnesota manager Derek Shelton said. “This kid (age 22) is going to be one of the best young hitters in the game for a long time. Tonight, he showed why.”

Right-hander Bailey Ober (2-0, 4.15 ERA) will be tasked with turning off the Rays’ power on Saturday. He allowed just an unearned run and three hits while striking out 10 over 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start Sunday against Cincinnati. He wasn’t part of the decision in a 7-4, 10-inning loss after departing with a 2-1 lead.

Ober is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay. He pitched against them on April 3 and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in a no-decision in his team’s 10-4 win.

McClanahan is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA against the Twins, though he has not pitched against them since 2022.

The Rays took two of three games in the teams’ early April series in Minneapolis.

–Field Level Media

#Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #takes #step #comeback #trail #Twins #await">Deadspin | Rays’ Shane McClanahan takes next step on comeback trail as Twins await  Apr 6, 2026; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Shane McClanahan (18) throws a pitch against the Chicago Cubs in the first inning at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images   Tampa Bay left-hander Shane McClanahan will continue his comeback from two major arm surgeries on Saturday afternoon when the Rays face the Minnesota Twins in the second game of a three-game series in St. Petersburg, Fla.   McClanahan (1-2, 5.00 ERA), a two-time All-Star, missed over two seasons with injuries. He was 11-2 with a 3.29 ERA in 21 starts in 2023 before he underwent Tommy John surgery that August.   After missing the entire 2024 season while rehabbing, McClanahan suffered a left triceps injury in a 2025 spring training game. He eventually underwent surgery to repair nerves in his triceps area, causing him to miss a second straight season.   Saturday will mark McClanahan’s fifth start of 2026. He comes in off a 6-3 loss at Pittsburgh last Sunday in a game in which he allowed four runs on eight hits in 4 1/3 innings, with no walks and five strikeouts.   Perhaps the more important stats, however, came on the radar gun. McClanahan’s velocity improved to an average of 95.5 mph on his fastball, and he had seven pitches that touched 97 mph or more. He had accomplished that feat just twice in his first three outings.   “I felt today was probably the best I’ve thrown all year — in a really long time, for that matter,” McClanahan, 28, told MLB.com. “Unfortunately, it doesn’t go your way sometimes. Obviously, it was a great step (and) felt good, but I want to win.”   “I was very encouraged by Shane’s outing,” Rays manager Kevin Cash said. “The velocity alone was encouraging to see. Very happy. I think he took a big step.”   Minnesota has lost seven of the past eight games. Tampa Bay enters action on Saturday in second place in the American League East, just 2 1/2 games behind the New York Yankees. Should McClanahan return to his old form, the Rays figure to have a big say in the division title race.    Tampa Bay opened the series vs. Minnesota with a 6-2 victory on Friday as Junior Caminero hit a pair of tape-measure homers and drove in three runs, and Jonathan Aranda also homered twice. Drew Rasmussen picked up his second win, allowing one run on five hits and a walk over six innings while striking out six.    All four of the home runs came off Twins starter and ex-Rays pitcher Taj Bradley, who hadn’t allowed a homer in his five previous starts while compiling a glossy 1.63 ERA.   “I didn’t know he hadn’t given up a homer, but it makes sense because his stuff is really good right now,” Cash said. “We were fortunate that we could get some pitches that we could handle and put some really good swings on them. Two powerful guys (Caminero and Aranda) who were behind the ball and knocked them a long ways.”   Caminero’s first home run traveled 450-feet over the batter’s eye in center field. His second caromed near the top of the batter’s eye and traveled “only” 435 feet.   “Those weren’t cheap ones that Caminero hit,” Minnesota manager Derek Shelton said. “This kid (age 22) is going to be one of the best young hitters in the game for a long time. Tonight, he showed why.”  Right-hander Bailey Ober (2-0, 4.15 ERA) will be tasked with turning off the Rays’ power on Saturday. He allowed just an unearned run and three hits while striking out 10 over 6 1/3 innings in his most recent start Sunday against Cincinnati. He wasn’t part of the decision in a 7-4, 10-inning loss after departing with a 2-1 lead.  Ober is 0-1 with a 5.79 ERA in two career starts against Tampa Bay. He pitched against them on April 3 and allowed three runs on four hits and two walks in a no-decision in his team’s 10-4 win.  McClanahan is 1-1 with a 4.35 ERA against the Twins, though he has not pitched against them since 2022.  The Rays took two of three games in the teams’ early April series in Minneapolis.  –Field Level Media   #Deadspin #Rays #Shane #McClanahan #takes #step #comeback #trail #Twins #await

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