Gonzalez enjoying late season metamorphosis with Astros
Less than a month after he was finishing his season in the Mexican League, Edgar Gonzalez was the winning pitcher in a big-league game. Life changed that fast for the 29-year-old right-hander, who started in the Astros' 5-1 victory over the Pirates on Monday.
Gonzalez allowed one run in 5 1/3 innings in his first start since September 2009. When the Astros gave him some good run support, it became his first win since April 2008, when he was a member of the Diamondbacks.
"It was awesome," manager Tony DeFrancesco said. "This guy threw strikes, was aggressive with his offspeed, kept us in the game, no panic out there at all. That was a big lift."
Released by two major league teams already this year, Gonzalez finished the regular season in his native Mexico and was signed for depth in the Astros rotation. He made two strong starts at Triple-A Oklahoma City, allowing one earned run in 13 innings, before the call-up.
"This is the best thing that's happened to me this year, to make the comeback to the big leagues, and I feel great," Gonzalez said. "I appreciate the Astros giving me the chance to throw in the big leagues, and I'm going to work hard every day to stay here."
He describes himself as a remade pitcher from his time with the Diamondbacks, where he spent the bulk of his career. Back then, he was more of a power pitcher focused on the fastball and slider. Now he's using more changeups and curveballs in a more well-rounded arsenal.
