Countdown to Spring Training: 29 Days!

The Blue Jays' Spring Training home opener is on February 24 against the Orioles, and we're counting down the days! In the coming weeks, DunedinBlueJays.com will highlight some of the players getting geared up to represent the Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium.

For RHP Dustin McGowan, the 2013 Spring Training season represents a shot at redemption. The 30-year-old former first-round pick has been something of a disappointment during his abbreviated career. After showing some positive signs during the 2007 season, in which he went 12-10 with a 4.08 ERA and 144 strikeouts, he underwent shoulder surgery in 2008 and would not return to Toronto until September of 2011.

Despite showing impressive control of his slider and changeup in his late-season return, McGowan missed the entire 2012 campaign with foot and shoulder injuries. To make matters worse, he had arthroscopic shoulder surgery in August, putting his 2013 status in serious question.

However, Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos announced in November that McGowan would be set for Spring Training. The right-hander will use his time in Dunedin to both rehab and prove to the organization that he's every bit as good as the player they drafted 33rd overall back in 2000.

McGowan had always been part of the competition for a spot in the back end of the rotation, but with Toronto's stacked front five of R.A. Dickey, Mark Buehrle, Josh Johnson, Ricky Romero and Brandon Morrow, McGowan could be best suited for a long relief or spot starter role for the foreseeable future.