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DUNEDIN, Fla. — Dustin McGowan cleared another hurdle Sunday when he sailed through two innings of a simulated game at the Jays’ minor-league complex.
It was the second simulated game for McGowan, who threw 44 pitches. Next up in the recovery process from right shoulder surgery is a start in a minor-league game Friday. If all goes well, he’d then see action in a regular spring game around March 24 which would mark the first time he’s faced major league hitters since 2008.
“He threw well, free and easy. He looked good,” manager Cito Gaston said.
Ideally, McGowan should make just three appearances during spring training, though that would not be enough time to build up sufficient arm strength.
Still, Gaston isn’t giving up hope he could be ready by opening day. “I’d love to break (camp) with him,” he said.
A more likely scenario is McGowan remaining in Florida on extended spring training before rejoining the Jays some time in April.
mike.rutsey@sunmedia.ca
