Dodgers Team News

Dodgers Rumors: Is Eric Gagne Serious About A Comeback?

The rumor mill is swirling with rumors of former Dodgers Cy Young winner Eric Gagne making a MLB comeback.

We first heard of a potential Gagne comeback last month, but that was strictly regarding pitching for Team Canada in the World Baseball Classic. Gagne retired seven years ago, and he’s a guest instructor at Camelback Ranch this spring.



But Ken Gurnick of MLB.com reports Gagne could be looking to pitch beyond the WBC. Gagne told Gurnick he “feels great. It’s almost scary.” He also said he still throws upwards of 90 mph.

If nothing else, credit the 41-year-old for his high aspirations. Gagne will forever be a Dodgers legend, earning the Cy Young in 2003 after a 55-save campaign. He at one point converted 84 saves in a row during his tenure in L.A., which lasted from 1999-2006.

 

Gagne also pitched for Texas and Boston. His final stop was Milwaukee, where he fell flat before the finish line with a 5.44 ERA.

[graphiq id=”jdLAKJm2Z01″ title=”Eric Gagne Career ERA, WHIP and K/BB” width=”600″ height=”586″ url=”https://w.graphiq.com/w/jdLAKJm2Z01″ ]

Then 34, Gagne made an effort to make the Dodgers roster in 2010. He was released in spring training, thus closing the chapter on his time with the Dodgers until this spring. Elbow and shoulder injuries eventually did him in, and the mention on the Mitchell Report for performance enhancers didn’t help.

“Both sides thought at this juncture it was in Eric’s best interest to see if he can find another opportunity, rather than wait until later in spring or into April if he wants to continue to pitch,” said General Manager Ned Colletti at the time. “It’s better that he has a couple weeks to go.”

While the Dodgers probably appreciate Gagne helping the team, and respect his hard work at a comeback, a reunion would be a stretch. That said, if there’s a team with the depth and a creative front office who may consider something outlandish, it’s Los Angeles. Gagne may view his WBC stint as a tryout. We’ll see if that holds merit.

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Gabe Burns

Gabe Burns is an award-winning journalist. He serves as a reporter and editor at the DodgersNation news desk. He additionally works as editor-in-chief of The Spectator, Valdosta State University's student paper. Gabe's work has been featured on a number of platforms, including Draft Breakdown and Pro Football Spot. His byline has been cited in media such as the New York Times, Los Angeles Times and Chicago Tribune. Aside from covering Dodgers baseball, Gabe enjoys watching the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Orlando Magic and Tampa Bay Lightning. He can be followed on Twitter at @GabeBurns_DN.

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