Florida Atlantic is fighting for its life to make the Sun Belt Conference tournament, but that doesn't mean coach John McCormack doesn't have an eye on the future.

When the Owls step out of conference to face Florida Gulf Coast on Tuesday, McCormack plans to have redshirt junior Kenny Gray get some action.

Gray hasn't pitched since 2006 due to an arm injury which required Tommy John surgery, but the former star at Atlantic High School is expected to contribute next season.

"At some point you have to just get out there," McCormack said. "I hope he can get out there, throw some strikes and be able to walk off the mound and say he accomplished something."

A good outing vs. the Eagles would go a long way to having Gray penciled in for a starting spot next season, but the biggest thing would be to just show that he can pitch after missing the entire 2007 and 2008 seasons.

"It's been a long road for him, but I give him credit," McCormack said. "He never bowed out, he did everything he was supposed to do and did well in school."

Most fans are immediately concerned with the short-term future i.e. making it to the Sun Belt Tournament, but having Gray take a turn is Example A that McCormack is looking at the bigger picture and the long-term success of the program - a sound strategy.

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