The Los Angeles Dodgers optioned Mitchell White and Victor Gonzalez to Minor League camp over the weekend, marking their second round of 2020 Spring Training roster cuts. Josiah Gray and Edwin Uceta were previously reassigned.
Gonzalez made two Cactus League starts prior to being sent to the Minor League side of Camelback Ranch. His Feb. 25 start at Salt River Fields represented Gonzalez’s first career Spring Training appearance.
He struggled with command but held the Arizona Diamondbacks to just one run in his lone inning of work. Gonzalez followed that by striking out a pair over two perfect frames against the Texas Rangers five days later.
The Dodgers added the 24-year-old to their 40-man roster last October, well in advance of the 2019 Rule 5 Draft. Had they not, Gonzalez was eligible to be selected.
Last season, Gonzalez spent High-A Rancho Cucamonga, Double-A Tulsa and Triple-A Oklahoma City. He was a combined 5-2 with a 2.31 ERA, 1.26 WHIP, and 93 strikeouts against 32 walks in 38 games (13 starts) with the three affiliates. Last season marked his first time pitching above the Low-A level.
“He can kind of do a lot of different things as far as starter, reliever. He’s started, we’ve put him in the ‘pen. He just wants to pitch,” Dodgers manager Dave Roberts recently said of the young lefty.
“He gets lefties out, gets righties out. I think the goal is probably to get him back as a starter to kind of continue to develop; I don’t know what (Minor League) level. His ability to pitch in different roles is valued. This guy has a big arm.
“I want to see the command continue to tighten up but it’s a good slider, a good change. I’d be surprised if we don’t see him this year at some point in time. I’d be disappointed.”
White is 1-0 with a 6.00 ERA and 1.33 WHIP in three Cactus League games thus far. The number of appearances match his combined total from 2017 and 2019. White was selected in the second round (No. 65 overall) in the 2016 Draft, but has yet to meet expectations.
The Dodgers now have 58 players (28 pitchers, 30 position players) remaining in big league camp.
Have you subscribed to our YouTube channel? It’s the best way to watch player interviews, exclusive coverage from events, participate in our live shows, and more!
