According to the Toronto Blue Jays’ June 24 report, general manager J.P. Riccardi says pitcher Dustin McGowan’s baseball career is uncertain.

The report, posted on MLB.com, quotes Riccardi. "I don’t know if he’s never going to throw again, but right now, he’s struggling. He’s not where he should be from a rehab standpoint."

McGowan, a Long County High School graduate who was drafted by Toronto in 2000, was a solid pitcher for the Jays
in 2007 and most of 2008. He was slated to be in the rotation this season.

However, a slight rotator cuff tear that occurred in the 2007 season became progressively worse, requiring surgery on his right shoulder in July 2008. After surgery, initial reports indicated that McGowan could be back on the mound as early as May. That didn’t happen.

McGowan said in mid-April that he’s still optimistic. "I want to pitch this season and that is my goal."

Another indicator that the 27-year-old might be back this year came in the form of informatino posted Saturday on Yahoo Sports.

A team report said, "Initially, he (McGowan) was expected to be able to contribute by mid-June 2009 at the latest, but it appears that a late July date is a best case scenario."

McGowan was unavailable for comment, but his wife Jilly McGowan did speak on her husband’s behalf.

"We have been focusing on Dustin’s rehabilitation right now, and not on the speculation that has been circulating in the Toronto media. As of right now, there are no further developments," Jilly McGowan said. "No, we do not feel that Dustin’s career is ‘uncertain.’ It hasn’t been a full year since his surgery and being that he is diabetic, it is not a surprise that this process has taken longer.

"Dustin is doing well and will be resuming his throwing in the near future. There is still no timeline for his return."

McGowan was diagnosed with Type I diabetes in 2004.

He was placed on the disabled list March 27 last year and has been in rehab since his surgery.

Currently, the Blue Jays have a 41-36 record and sit in the fourth spot in the American League East, six games behind the Boston Red Sox.