It's been a rough April for new Oriole Mike Gonzalez. Not only did Gonzalez get demoted from the closer role after blowing two of his first three save opportunities - now he's headed to the disabled list after he couldn't get his shoulder loose in the bullpen.
Orioles Closer Mike Gonzalez Lands On The 15-Day DL
BALTIMORE -- The Orioles placed closer Michael Gonzalez on the 15-day disabled list on Wednesday.
The team announced that Gonzalez is suffering from a strained left shoulder, and the move is retroactive to Saturday. The club said it would announce another roster move later on.
Some will say that the timing of this move is rather convenient. Gonzalez recently lost his job when pitching coach Rick Kranitz identified what he believes to be some mechanical flaws in Gonzalez’s delivery. However, while this could be a simple bending of the rules intended to get Gonzalez some work away from the spotlight, the fact of the matter is that his fastball is down about 2mph from where it normally is, suggesting that there very well could be something wrong.
It’s worth noting that, while Gonzalez has a bit of an extensive injury history, his shoulder hasn’t before posed a problem. He had Tommy John surgery performed on his elbow in 2007.
With Gonzalez on the DL, Jim Johnson is likely to take over 9th inning duties. The Orioles will announce a corresponding roster move later Wednesday afternoon.
Read how Baltimore fans are reacting at Camden Chat.
See More:
