Mike Gonzalez (pitcher)
| Michael Gonzalez | |
|---|---|
.jpg) | |
| Free agent | |
| Relief pitcher | |
|
Born: May 23, 1978 Corpus Christi, Texas | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Left |
| MLB debut | |
| August 11, 2003 for the Pittsburgh Pirates | |
| Career statistics (through 2013 season) | |
| Win-loss record | 17–24 |
| Earned run average | 3.14 |
| Strikeouts | 511 |
| Saves | 56 |
| Teams | |
| Career highlights and awards | |
| |
Michael Vela "Mike" Gonzalez (born May 23, 1978) is a professional baseball pitcher, who is a free agent.
He was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 30th round of the 1997 Major League Baseball Draft and made his major league debut on August 11, 2003. He pitched for the Pirates from 2003 to 2006.
Professional career
Pittsburgh Pirates
Gonzalez 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
After 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
On 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]
On April 14, 2010, Gonzalez was placed on the 15-day DL with a strained left shoulder.
Texas Rangers
On August 31, 2011, Gonzalez was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Pedro Strop.[2] In 2011, he was a combined 2–2 with a 4.39 ERA and 1 save.[3] 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
On May 10, 2012, the Washington Nationals agreed to terms with Gonzalez on a 1-year, minor league deal.[4] The Nationals called Gonzalez up to the majors on June 3.[5]
Milwaukee Brewers
On December 29, 2012, Gonzalez agreed to a one year 2.21 million dollar deal, pending a physical.[6]
See also
 |
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Michael Gonzalez. |
- List of Major League Baseball all-time saves leaders
References
- ↑ Spencer Fordin. "Orioles make it official with Gonzalez". MLB.com. Retrieved October 4, 2011.
- ↑ "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
External links
- Career statistics and player information from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball-Reference, or Fangraphs, or The Baseball Cube