Dustin McGowan pitched three scoreless innings and fanned five in relief versus the Phillies on Thursday.

McGowan pitched a total of four innings in his first three spring outings, but the Jays have decided to try stretching him out now. It's a bad idea in our opinion -- there's just so little chance of McGowan staying healthy as a starter -- but it's easy to see why they're doing so, given the way he's impressed with his stuff since returning last season.

Dustin McGowan will be stretched out as a starter in spring training.

It was McGowan's idea to be stretched out, and the Jays have obliged even though they're worried about his lengthy injury history. "It's kind of a touchy thing," said manager John Gibbons. "I mean, it was as a starter that he had all his problems. But, then again, maybe that's all behind him." Toronto has at least one rotation spot up for grabs, but they still seem likely to sign a starter. Even if they don't, the odds are good that McGowan will wind up in the bullpen. That's assuming he's not on the DL, of course.

Blue Jays activated RHP Dustin McGowan from the 15-day disabled list.

McGowan returns after missing an entire month of action with a strained right oblique muscle. The oft-injured 31-year-old looked good before hitting the DL, posting a 2.12 ERA, 1.24 WHIP and 17/9 K/BB ratio over 17 frames.

Dustin McGowan (oblique) is scheduled to throw a bullpen session Wednesday.

McGowan has been out all month with a strained right oblique muscle. The Blue Jays expect him to return in September.

Dustin McGowan (oblique) is a week into his DL stint and has not been cleared for a throwing program.

McGowan hit the 15-day disabled list on August 1 with a strained right oblique muscle. There is no timetable for the right-hander's return to the Blue Jays' bullpen. He will likely require a minor league rehab assignment.

Blue Jays placed RHP Dustin McGowan on the 15-day disabled list with a strained oblique.

The injury-prone righty suffered the injury on Monday night while making a relief appearance. McGowan is likely to be on the shelf for around three weeks.

Dustin McGowan will be placed on the disabled list after tweaking his side during an appearance on Monday.

A tough break for McGowan, as he's basically lived on the DL over the last five seasons. It's not clear at this point how long he'll be sidelined. Serio Santos will replace him on the roster.

Blue Jays activated RHP Dustin McGowan from the 60-day disabled list.

McGowan has dealt with a litany of injuries over the last four seasons, and has appeared in just five games in the majors since the 2008. The 31-year-old right-hander will be used out of the bullpen in Toronto.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) will be activated from the disabled list on Saturday.

It's a nice accomplishment for the oft-injured right-hander, who has appeared in just five games in the majors since the 2008 season. He'll be used out of the bullpen in Toronto and won't hold any immediate fantasy value. Todd Redmond will be optioned to Triple-A in a corresponding move.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) is expected to be activated from the disabled list soon.

McGowan pitched in back-to-back games earlier this week at Triple-A Buffalo, which was essentially the final hurdle he needed to clear to show the Jays he was ready. He holds a 5.73 ERA over 11 rehab innings but has struck out 16 batters. McGowan's rehab window ends on June 12, so he should be activated in the next few days.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) will continue his minor league rehab assignment with Triple-A Buffalo.

McGowan allowed one hit and one walk over two scoreless innings with High-A Dunedin and notched four strikeouts. The Blue Jays can't count on him given his lengthy injury history, but he could be an option to join the bullpen later this month if all goes well.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A New Hampshire on Tuesday.

Blue Jays general manager Alex Anthopoulos said McGowan, who has been throwing in extended spring training, is feeling "great." He should be an option to join the team's rotation later this month.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) recorded five outs on Saturday in an extended spring training game.

McGowan faced six batters and allowed just one hit. The right-hander has been on the shelf since the end of spring training with discomfort in his neck and right shoulder. He should join Toronto sometime in late May.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) is expected to begin appearing in minor league rehab games next week.

McGowan has been on the disabled list since the end of spring training with discomfort in his neck and right shoulder. The Blue Jays will likely ask him to make several appearances in the minor leagues. If he avoids setbacks, he should be back by the end of May.

Blue Jays transferred RHP Dustin McGowan from the 15-day disabled list to the 60-day disabled list

It's just a procedural move to create a spot on the 40-man roster. The Blue Jays claimed Edgar Gonzalez off waivers from the Astros in a corresponding move.

Blue Jays placed RHP Dustin McGowan on the 15-day disabled list, retroactive to March 27, with a sore right shoulder.

McGowan was recently cleared to make his Grapefruit League debut, but will pitch in extended spring training before he begins a rehab assignment. The Blue Jays don't expect him to be available until early May.

Making his spring debut, Dustin McGowan (shoulder) pitched a perfect inning out of the pen Tuesday against the Pirates.

It's nice to see McGowan back on the mound. He'll open the season on the disabled list and go down to Triple-A to rehab, but if he can stay healthy for a bit, the Jays might give him a look in early May.

Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said Dustin McGowan (shoulder) was "lights-out" during an appearance in a minor league game Wednesday.

It was the right-hander's first game action this spring. McGowan is likely to open the season on the disabled list, but it sounds like he's trending in the right direction. Of course, with him another setback is likely right around the corner.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) is scheduled to pitch one inning in a minor league game Wednesday.

The Blue Jays haven't mapped out a schedule beyond that, but it's progress. McGowan fell behind the other pitchers in camp due to shoulder and neck discomfort and appears unlikely to be ready for the start of the regular season.

Dustin McGowan (shoulder) is expected to open the season on the disabled list.

McGowan has been dealing with shoulder and neck injuries and won't pitch in his first spring game until next week. While the Blue Jays haven't officially ruled him out, he's doubtful to be ready for Opening Day. McGowan will be considered for a bullpen spot when he's ready to return.