Victor González emerged as a key contributor in his rookie season to help the Los Angeles Dodgers win the 2020 World Series, but struggled to remain healthy and replicate that success in ensuing years.
After not pitching for the Dodgers at all during the 2022 season, González received an early callup last year as the corresponding move to Jake Reed getting designated for assignment on April 22. The left-hander remained with the team until getting optioned back to Triple-A Oklahoma City on July 3.
González returned in early August but initially was only with the Dodgers for two days. However, he quickly returned because of Yency Almonte going on the 15-day injured list and stayed with the team into September.
González then returned at the end of the month when Lance Lynn went on the bereavement list.
Overall, he appeared in 34 games (one start) last year but struggled to find any sort of consistency and finished 3-3 with a 4.01 ERA and 1.09 WHIP.
That remained a far cry from when González was 3-0 with a 1.33 ERA in 15 appearances (one start) as a rookie. He experienced some regression in 2021 and dealt with left elbow trouble in 2022 that ultimately required surgery, which limited González to just 13 appearances in the Minor Leagues.
Across parts of three seasons with the Dodgers, González went 9-4 with a 3.22 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and one save in 93 games (three starts). He was out of Minor League options and behind Caleb Ferguson and Alex Vesia on the bullpen depth chart, which played a part in being traded to the New York Yankees along with Jorbit Vivas.
Victor González 2023 highlight
During his first stint up with the Dodgers last season, González had a stretch of 10 consecutive scoreless appearances that saw him allow just five hits and collect 12 strikeouts against five walks over 11.1 innings pitched.
2024 outlook
Given that González is out of options, he figures to have a chance to make an impact out of the Yankees bullpen. That will hold particularly true if the Yankees do not re-sign fellow left-handed reliever Wandy Peralta.
However, should González continue to struggle in 2024, it may lead to getting designated for assignment.
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