After resting a week following a minor setback in his recovery from elbow surgery, Mike Gonzalez resumed his rehab in extended spring training in Florida Friday and needed just nine pitches (eight strikes) to record three outs, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution. (Updated 05/10/2008).
Injury Report
Elbow - 15-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 5/2/08)
Fantasy Analysis
The lefty's fastball was clocked at 90 mph, and Braves officials reported he "felt good." His next outing is tentatively scheduled for Monday in Florida. The Braves hope to have Gonzalez back in the majors by the end of May, twelve months after "Tommy John" ligament-transplant elbow surgery. On top of all this, the news that John Smoltz will assume the closing duties when he comes back from his injury has crushed the Fantasy appeal of Gonzalez. You knew Gonzalez wouldn't close games upon his immediate return, but there was hope he could move back into that role later down the road. It's still a possibility if Smoltz gets injured again, but Gonzalez appears destined for a role as a setup man or middle reliever upon his return. He remains just a NL-only Fantasy stashee at this time. (Updated 05/10/2008).
Gonzalez had a minor setback this week in his recovery from Tommy John surgery, but is still expected back near the end of the month, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. (Updated 05/07/2008)
Advice
Gonzalez hasn't pitched since May 15, 2007. He was having a strong season before injuring his elbow, going 2-0 with a 1.59 ERA and two saves in 18 games. If he can regain that form, he'll bolster Atlanta's bullpen. Continue to monitor his progress.
After resting a week following a minor setback in his recovery from elbow surgery, Mike Gonzalez resumed his rehab in extended spring training in Florida Friday and needed just nine pitches (eight strikes) to record three outs, according to The Atlanta Journal Constitution. (Updated 05/10/2008).
Injury Report
Elbow - 15-day DL. Out until at least late May (Updated - 5/2/08)
Fantasy Analysis
The lefty's fastball was clocked at 90 mph, and Braves officials reported he "felt good." His next outing is tentatively scheduled for Monday in Florida. The Braves hope to have Gonzalez back in the majors by the end of May, twelve months after "Tommy John" ligament-transplant elbow surgery. On top of all this, the news that John Smoltz will assume the closing duties when he comes back from his injury has crushed the Fantasy appeal of Gonzalez. You knew Gonzalez wouldn't close games upon his immediate return, but there was hope he could move back into that role later down the road. It's still a possibility if Smoltz gets injured again, but Gonzalez appears destined for a role as a setup man or middle reliever upon his return. He remains just a NL-only Fantasy stashee at this time. (Updated 05/10/2008).
= probable start
