Mike Gonzalez

Mike Gonzalez
Gonzalez with the Baltimore Orioles
Pitcher
Born: (1978-05-23) May 23, 1978 (age 46) 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
Pittsburgh Pirates (2003–2006) Atlanta Braves (2007–2009) Baltimore Orioles (2010–2011) Texas Rangers (2011) Washington Nationals (2012) Milwaukee Brewers (2013)

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.

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.

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.

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]

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.

On 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.

On 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]

On December 29, 2012, Gonzalez agreed to a one-year $2.21 million deal, pending a physical.^[7]

Gonzalez returned to the Washington Nationals in 2014, agreeing to a minor league contract on March 4. He was released on July 5, 2014.^[8]

On 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.

• Career statistics from MLB, or ESPN, or Baseball Reference, or Fangraphs, or Baseball Reference (Minors), or Retrosheet, or Pura Pelota (Venezuelan Winter League)

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