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 The Pittsburgh Pirates are an American professional baseball team based in Pittsburgh. The Pirates compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) Central division. Founded as part of the American Associati ...

, Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, Texas Rangers, Washington Nationals, and

Milwaukee Brewers The Milwaukee Brewers are an American professional baseball team based in Milwaukee. They compete in Major League Baseball (MLB) as a member club of the National League (NL) National League Central, Central division. The Brewers are named for t ...

Professional career

Pittsburgh Pirates

Gonzalez was traded twice prior to his MLB debut. First, on July 22, 2003, where he was traded by the

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, . MG 4988 Mike González

Atlanta Braves

After experiencing a drop in velocity on his fastball in excess of in a game versus the Washington Nationals, the Braves quickly took precautionary measures and placed him on the

disabled list In Major League Baseball (MLB), the injured list (IL) is a method for teams to remove their injured players from the roster in order to summon healthy players. Before the 2019 season, it was known as the disabled list (DL). General guidelines ...

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 Ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction, colloquially known as Tommy John surgery (TJS), is a surgical graft procedure where the ulnar collateral ligament in the medial elbow is replaced with either a tendon from elsewhere in the patient's bo ...

and, consequently, he would miss at least the rest of the 2007 season, and possibly the first half of the 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. 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 Pedro Ángel Strop (born June 13, 1985) is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher who is a free agent. He previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Texas Rangers, Baltimore Orioles, Cincinnati Reds, and Chicago Cubs. Caree ...

. 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 The 2011 World Series was the championship series of Major League Baseball's (MLB) 2011 season. The 107th edition of the World Series, it was a best-of-seven playoff played between the American League (AL) champion Texas Rangers and the Nation ...

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.

References

External links

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Retrosheet
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Pura Pelota (Venezuelan Winter League)
{{DEFAULTSORT:Gonzalez, Mike 1978 births Living people Aberdeen IronBirds players Altoona Curve players American baseball players of Mexican descent American expatriate baseball players in Mexico Atlanta Braves players Augusta GreenJackets players Baltimore Orioles players Baseball players from Texas Bowie Baysox players Gulf Coast Orioles players Gulf Coast Pirates players Indianapolis Indians players Lynchburg Hillcats players Major League Baseball pitchers Mexican League baseball pitchers Milwaukee Brewers players Mississippi Braves players Nashville Sounds players Norfolk Tides players Pawtucket Red Sox players Pittsburgh Pirates players Richmond Braves players San Jacinto Central Ravens baseball players San Jacinto College alumni Sportspeople from Corpus Christi, Texas Syracuse Chiefs players Texas Rangers players Tiburones de La Guaira players American expatriate baseball players in Venezuela Toros de Tijuana players Washington Nationals players