May 14, 2008 Mike Gonzalez worked two perfect innings in an extended spring training game on Tuesday. The southpaw is scheduled for another two-inning outing on Tuesday, but he is very close to starting a minor league rehab stint, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Gonzalez is just shy of 12 months removed from Tommy John surgery.
Our View:The Braves bullpen could look significantly stronger in the next two-to-three weeks if they get Gonzalez, Rafael Soriano, and John Smoltz back. Gonzalez will be a setup man with little fantasy value.
May 10, 2008 Mike Gonzalez resumed his rehab in extended spring training on Friday, and had a good day, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He needed just nine pitches, eight of which were strikes, to record three outs. His fastball was clocked at 90-mph.
Our View:His next session is scheduled for Monday, and the Braves hope to have him back by the end of May, which is twelve months after his Tommy John surgery.
May 7, 2008 Left-handed reliever Mike Gonzalez had what the Braves described as a minor setback this week in his recovery from "Tommy John" elbow-ligament surgery, but is still expected back near the end of the month, this according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Our View:The team didn't elaborate on the specifics of the so-called setback, but they also didn't seem to think it was significant to the degree it would result in Gonzalez missing much additional rehab work. Gonzo has some fantasy value in the current Braves bullpen; if in fact he can return by the All Star break with his arm strength in tow.
April 23, 2008 Mike Gonzalez is progressing well in his comeback from TJ surgery and he was able to throw 23 pitches over two innings in a simulated game on Tuesday, according to MLB.com. "He's getting real close," Cox said. Cox even said he could possibly return as early as mid-May. "I'm not saying it's going to happen. But it's a possibility."
Our View:Gonzalez is ahead of schedule, and with the uncertainty of Peter Moylan and Rafael Soriano, the Braves could certainly use Gonzalez's power arm and he might even figure into the saves mix later in the year if he doesn't suffer any setbacks.
April 8, 2008 Mike Gonzalez remains on pace for an early June return (as he recovers from elbow replacement surgery), according to the Atlanta Journal Constitution. Gonzalez notably faced hitters in live batting practice over the weekend, and next week he is expected to see his first game action in almost a year when he pitches in the extended-spring training program in Florida. Gonzalez will contend for a bullpen role when he returns to the Braves.
