Mike Gonzalez
# Mike Gonzalez

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.

## 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.

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.

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

On August 31, 2011, Gonzalez was traded to the Texas Rangers in exchange for Pedro Strop. In 2011, he was a combined 2–2 with a 4.39 ERA and 1 save. 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. The Nationals called Gonzalez up to the majors on June 3.

### Milwaukee Brewers

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

### Second stint with Washington

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

### Toros de Tijuana

On April 8, 2016, Gonzalez signed with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican Baseball League.

