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Blue Jays Claim RHP Edgar Gonzalez on Waivers from the Houston Astros, Dustin McGowan to 60-Day Disabled List

Edgar Gonazlez, formerly of the Houston Second Amendments
Edgar Gonazlez, formerly of the Houston Second Amendments
Brett Davis-US PRESSWIRE

According to a team release, the Toronto Blue Jays have tapped into the waiver wire again, acquiring RHP Edgar Gonzalez from the Houston Astros, who had designated him for assignment two days ago to make room for Travis Blackley. In order to make room on the 40-man roster, Dustin McGowan has been transferred to the 60-day disabled list.

Gonzalez, 30, is a 6'2", 210 lb right hander born in Mexico and signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks back in 2000 as an international free agent. He has bounced around with several organizations and have played in the major leagues with four teams: the Diamondbacks over six seasons, and one each with the Athletics, Rockies, and Astros. In 2012 he appeared in six games (all starts) and recorded a 5.04 ERA and 1.240 WHIP in September. He spent the balance of the season between Colorado Springs (Rockies' AAA affiliate) and Oklahoma City (Astros' AAA affiliate), with a brief stop with Monterrey of the Mexican League in between.

Gonzalez had not appeared for the Astros in the regular season before his designation. In major league spring training action, he appeared in five games, starting one and finishing four, and had a 3.46 ERA and 1.000 WHIP in 13 innings, striking out 10 on just two walks.

Right now, it is unknown whether the newest Blue Jay will be joining the big club in Detroit or whether he would be snuck to the minors. Sportsnet's Shi Davidi reported that the decision will be made on the road in Detroit before the game against the Tigers on Tuesday. If he is slated to join the major league club, it is likely that Dave Bush would be the one to give up the roster spot. It also means that the Blue Jays are going to be continuing carrying eight relievers instead of a deeper bench.

McGowan, 31, was placed on the 15-day disabled list to begin the 2013 season trying to come back from shoulder surgery. It is expected that he would need more than 15 days to be major league-ready, so the transfer to the 60-day disabled list is most likely not a sign that he had re-injured himself. McGowan's last appearance in the spring was on March 26, so the earliest date he can be taken off 60-day DL is May 25, so circle that date on your calendars... chances are, nothing will happen.

Be sure to go and play the "name all the waiver claims Alex Anthopoulos has made since last season" game on Sporcle.