Tampa Bay Rays show Dustin McGowin respect in his release
By David Hill
The Tampa Bay Rays may not plan on having Dustin McGowan as part of their team, but they are still showing the veteran pitcher respect.
Heading into Spring Training, the Tampa Bay Rays had a number of questions in the bullpen. While some of the roles had been defined for the coming year, there are still two or three spots in the bullpen that are open. As the Rays are looking at a four man rotation, and the possibility of a bullpen game featuring several long relievers, those spots could be vital to the success of the club.
Given his usage as a multi-inning reliever and starting experience, Dustin McGowan appeared to be a potential fit with those plans. However, the Rays have decided that he is not a fit at the major league level, as he has been notified that he would not make the club. Nonetheless, the Rays have offered to let McGowan stay in camp, citing how highly respected he has become in the clubhouse.
In other #Rays pitching news: RHP Dustin McGowan was told he won't make the team but because of how highly respected he is has been given the option to stay in camp and keep working out, pending a better opportunity.
— Marc Topkin (@TBTimes_Rays) March 7, 2018
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It is understandable that the Rays wanted to give McGowan a look, especially on a minor league contract. With is experience as a starter and reliever, he was a nice backup plan should injuries ravage the pitching staff as they had. However, after his performance last year, when he posted a 4.75 ERA and a 1.339 WHiP. While he had thrown three scoreless innings in Spring Training, he also issued two walks with three hits.
However, keeping him around the Rays clubhouse can have some additional benefits. McGowan had an impressive comeback of his own to even continue his career, making just five appearances between 2009 and 2012. He dealt with ongoing shoulder woes, including a torn rotator cuff and a frayed labrum. His perseverance in returning to action can help inspire Brent Honeywell and Jose De Leon, both of whom will miss the coming year due to Tommy John surgery.
Meanwhile, the Rays are also offering McGowan this chance in an attempt to let him earn a major league job elsewhere. If he pitches well and another team is interested, the Rays would not stand in the way of the veteran moving on. That respect certainly extends outside of the clubhouse as well.
Next: Desperate times calling for desperate measures
Dustin McGowan may not make the Tampa Bay Rays roster, but they still want him around. He carries a great deal of respect, and that can pay dividends down the line.