Rays' McGee could return in April from offseason elbow surgery

Tampa Bay Rays reliever Jake McGee provided an encouraging update Tuesday, roughly one month after undergoing arthroscopic elbow surgery. The imposing left-hander could make his 2015 debut sooner than initially expected.

McGee said shortly after his procedure that he may not be able to return to the mound until early May. However, the 28-year-old told Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times that he might be able to rejoin the team in April.

Though he may still be forced to open the season on the disabled list, McGee should reclaim the closer's role upon his return after crafting a 1.89 ERA (1.73 FIP) with a 5.63 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 73 appearances last season.