LUDOWICI –– Earlier reports indicated the Toronto Blue Jays expect pitcher Dustin McGowan to return to the mound sometime in May. But, according to a recent release by the team, that day may be pushed back.

A slight rotator cuff tear in his right shoulder in 2007 that has progressively gotten worse and resulted in the right-hander’s being placed on injured reserve in 2008, required surgery in July.

After the surgery, McGowan began rehab and then in December he began throw once again, with the hope of being ready for opening day, despite the team saying that May was more realistic.

Last week, Jay’s manager Cito Gaston said, "We want him back healthy. We don’t want to rush him back. Just think of it this way, too; if he’s not ready to comeback until August that’s fine. If he’s ready to come back in July, that’s fine, or June."

The manager added, "We hope its May, but it might not be May. I don’t want to put a time limit on him."

McGowan recently said, "Rehab is coming along good. It’s just a slow process. And (I’m) just taking it day to day."

The Ludowici hurler added, "I just started throwing every day and progressed to 90 feet. (I) will throw at 90 feet for about a week, and then move back a little further."

Currently, McGowan, wife Jilly and daughter McKensy are at Dunedin, Fla., for spring training and "just trying to go through my regular routine of everyday baseball again," he said.

McGowan agreed with Gaston.

"I was told that there was no set time for my return. They just want me to be 100 percent and not rush it at all. So I’m not sure when I’ll be pitching in games."

He said he appreciated the people in Long County,

"Thanks for the support, and (I) would like to say hello to all my family and friends."