Los Angeles Dodgers pitchers and catchers reported for Spring Training last week, and as with most years, former players are in uniform at Camelback Ranch to aid manager Dave Roberts and his coaching staff as instructors.
Among those who are present this year is former Dodgers closer Eric Gagne, who retired after the 2008 season. While Gagne is there to help provide instruction and advice to the pitching staff, he also has an agenda of his own.
The 41-year-old has been training to play for Team Canada in the 2017 World Baseball Classic. In addition, Gagne is also considering a potential MLB comeback, according to Ken Gurnick of MLB.com:
Eric Gagne is in camp as a guest pitching instructor, but also is training for WBC as a pitcher and is considering a comeback. He's 41.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 18, 2017
Gagne threw a bullpen session on Sunday and drew the eyes of the Dodgers brass:
Gagne's session isn't officially a tryout for his comeback, but Andrew Friedman, Farhan Zaidi and much of the front office is watching.
— Ken Gurnick (@kengurnick) February 19, 2017
In 10 Major League seasons with the Dodgers, Texas Rangers, Boston Red Sox and Milwaukee Brewers, Gagne had 187 career saves and a 3.47 ERA. He was a three-time All-Star with the Dodgers, and won the National League Cy Young award in 2003 when he converted all 55 of his save opportunities and had a 1.10 ERA.
From 2002-04, Gagne converted a Major League record 84 straight saves. However, his legacy was tainted when Gagne’s name was was listed on the Mitchell Report in 2007 for using HGH (Human Growth Hormone).
He previously attempted a comeback with the Dodgers in 2010 after signing a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training. But after just three appearances Gagne was reassigned to Minor League camp and later granted his release.
