Michael Vela Gonzalez (born May 23, 1978) is an American former professional baseball pitcher. He played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Pittsburgh Pirates, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and Milwaukee Brewers.
| Mike Gonzalez | |
|---|---|
 Gonzalez with the Baltimore Orioles | |
| Pitcher | |
| Born: May 23, 1978 Corpus Christi, Texas, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Left | |
| MLB debut | |
| August 11, 2003, for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 28, 2013, for the Milwaukee Brewers | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 17–24 |
| Earned run average | 3.14 |
| Strikeouts | 511 |
| Stats at Baseball Reference | |
| Teams | |
Professional career
editPittsburgh Pirates
editGonzalez was traded twice prior to his MLB debut. First, on July 22, 2003, where he was traded by the Pittsburgh Pirates with Scott Sauerbeck to the Boston Red Sox for Brandon Lyon and Anastacio Martinez. Second, on July 31, 2003, where he was traded back to Pittsburgh with Freddy Sanchez and cash for Brandon Lyon, Anastacio Martinez and Jeff Suppan. Gonzalez converted all 24 save attempts during the 2006 season with the Pittsburgh Pirates before having his season end early because of an elbow injury.
Gonzalez was traded to the Atlanta Braves with Brent Lillibridge for Adam LaRoche and Jamie Romak on January 17, 2007.
Atlanta Braves
editAfter experiencing a drop in velocity on his fastball in excess of 10 mph (16 km/h) in a game versus the Washington Nationals, the Braves quickly took precautionary measures and placed him on the disabled list on May 16, 2007, with a left elbow strain. After several MRIs showed no damage to his elbow, a more specialized MRI was performed that indeed revealed a slight ligament tear. On May 25, 2007, it was announced that his elbow would require Tommy John surgery and, consequently, he would miss at least the rest of the 2007 season, and possibly the first half of the 2008 season. In 17 innings with the Braves in 2007, Gonzalez posted a 1.59 ERA with a 2–0 record and 2 saves.
Gonzalez made his return on June 18, 2008, pitching a perfect 9th inning and recording a save against the Texas Rangers.
On January 19, 2009, Gonzalez avoided arbitration and signed a one-year $3.45 million contract.
Baltimore Orioles
editOn December 16, 2009, Gonzalez agreed to a deal with the Baltimore Orioles for two years and $12 million.
On December 19, 2009, Gonzalez officially signed with the Baltimore Orioles.[1]
Gonzalez underperformed early in 2010, blowing two saves in his first opportunities and hearing boos from the crowd after he blew a save chance in the home opener.[2]
On April 14, 2010, Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left shoulder. He finished the year with a 4.01 ERA in 24.2 innings over 29 appearances.
Texas Rangers
editOn August 31, 2011, Gonzalez was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Pedro Strop.[3] In 2011, he was a combined 2–2 with a 4.39 ERA and 1 save.[4] Gonzalez made his postseason debut with the Rangers in 2011 until the team lost the 2011 World Series to the St. Louis Cardinals.
Washington Nationals
editOn May 10, 2012, the Washington Nationals agreed to terms with Gonzalez on a 1-year, minor league deal.[5] The Nationals called Gonzalez up to the majors on June 3.[6]
Milwaukee Brewers
editOn December 29, 2012, Gonzalez agreed to a one-year $2.21 million deal, pending a physical.[7]
Second stint with Washington
editGonzalez returned to the Washington Nationals in 2014, agreeing to a minor league contract on March 4. He was released on July 5, 2014.[8]
Toros de Tijuana
editOn April 8, 2016, Gonzalez signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican Baseball League. He became a free agent following the season. In 38 games 18.1 innings of relief he struggled going 0-2 with a 5.89 ERA with 15 strikeouts.
References
edit- ^ Spencer Fordin. "Orioles make it official with Gonzalez". MLB.com. Archived from the original on December 22, 2009. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
- ^ "Gonzalez on the boos: "I understand it."". MASNsports.com - Orioles and Nationals on MASNsports.com. Retrieved April 28, 2023.
- ^ "Amid flurry of moves, O's deal Michael Gonzalez". MLB.com. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
- ^ "Mike Gonzalez Statistics and History". Baseball-Reference.com. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
- ^ Gleeman, Aaron. Nationals sign reliever Mike Gonzalez to minor league deal, NBC Sports. Published May 8, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
- ^ Nationals recall Mike Gonzalez, ESPN. Published June 3, 2012. Retrieved July 4, 2012.
- ^ Michael Gonzalez leaves Nationals for Brewers
- ^ "Gonzalez agrees to minor league deal with Nats". ESPN.com. Associated Press. March 4, 2014. Retrieved March 4, 2014.
External links
edit- Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet, or Pura Pelota (Venezuelan Winter League)