November 1st, 2019 at 9:00 am 
by Ron Cervenka Less than 24 hours after Washington Nationals closer Daniel Hudson struck out Houston Astros left fielder Michael Brantley to end the 2019 World Series on Wednesday night, the Dodgers struck their first match to light their 2020 Hot Stove when they announced on Thursday afternoon that they have added 23-year-old left-hander Victor Gonzalez to their 40-man roster.
Gonzalez, who signed with the Dodgers as a minor league free agent on July 2, 2012, out of Veracruz, Mexico, posted a 5-2 record and very impressive 2.31 ERA over six minor league seasons that included time with the Arizona Rookie League Dodgers, Pioneer Rookie League Ogden Raptors, Low Single-A Great Lakes Loons, Advanced Single-A Rancho Cucamonga Quakes, Double-A Tulsa Driller and finishing the 2019 season with the Triple-A Oklahoma City Dodgers. In other words, the 6′-0″ / 180-pound lefty has nothing left to prove in the minor leagues.
(Photo credit – Steve Saenz)
Of the 126 minor league games in which Gonzalez has appeared, 76 were starts. And though the Dodgers will undoubtedly give him a close look as a potential starter when pitchers and catchers report for spring training on February 22, 2020, his best chance to break camp on the Dodgers (new) 26-man roster would be as a reliever. In fact, over his six professional seasons, he pitched more than 60 innings only once – 94.2 IP in 2016 with the Loons.
As noted, Gonzalez finished the 2019 season at Triple-A OKC, where he posted a 3.86 ERA over 14.0 innings pitched in 15 relief appearances (a clue). He also notched two saves during his time at Double-A Tulsa (an even bigger clue).
Play Ball!
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Depending on Alexander’s health, Ferguson working out his 2019 issues, and Urias moving into starting rotation, Gonzalez, and fellow left hander Leonardo Crawford could make the 2020 bullpen.
As Jessie stated, “On November 1, 2019, the Dodgers have many more questions than answers for their 2020 bullpen”.
Hope this guy, signed by Mike Brito at the same time as Julio Urias, is part of the answer.
In the middle of every difficulty lies opportunity (Albert Einstein).
Let’s hope this is the least important bit of news about the dodgers off season.
Who cares? He’s in OKC next year. Sign Will Smith and bring back Hudson.
Not necessarily OKC. No one knows if Alexander will be healthy enough to pitch, Kolarek is LOOGY and with 3 batter minimum rule he may not make the roster, Caleb Ferguson struggled last season, and Urias will likely be a starter. An opportunity for Gonzalez to earn a spot in spring training
Let me see if I read this correctly…. Dodgers strike the first match in this off season? No other comments at this time.
LOL! No Paul, Dodgers strike first match 0f 2020 Hot Stove League.
Yes that is the case here, LOL. But I am sure most want to find out how Dodger’s FO will make its appearance on that stove top.
Sure, that holds true for all 30 MLB teams fans. I think he is making the point that the Hot Stove League is just starting. Don’t forget that Friedman and company take their times in player moves. There will be many “rumors” over the next couple of months, but the Dodgers will not likely make any significant moves until the Winter Meetings, or later
Doesn’t matter what the dodgers do, they will again choke. Dienhard dodgers fan, but all fans need to boycott the dodgers and the stadium. Stop going to games!!ownership doesn’t really care about winning trophies, it’s apparent
lol!
Since being a Dodgers fan seems so bad to you please go find another trami. Your an embarrassment to the rest of us. 7 straight division titles and a top 5 minor league system. Yup what a horrible franchise.
Everyone keeps howling about Mays and how he’s so spectacular. That may be. But I am more impressed by the maturity of Tony Gonsolin. He can really pitch. Reminds me of Zack(Ugh)Greinke. He has great control of ALL his pitches and great mound presence. Dodgers should make Tony G the 5th starter!!!!
Gonsolin is the real deal; I love how he commands his arsenal of pitches and attacks hitters. But remember that Gonsolin will be 26 next May while Dustin May turned 22 last September. Both were drafted in 2016, May as a high school senior, Gonsolin as a college senior. That 4 years difference is huge for Gonsolin’s baseball experience, maturity, and physical development. I am looking forward to both being in the starting rotation.
I like Tony Gonsolin, but I REALLY like Dustin May. I watched them both when they came through Rancho Cucamonga and, in my opinion, May has far better command and control than Gonsolin.
I am not nearly as hung up on age as you are, Jesse, never have been. Kershaw was signed out of high school and made his MLB debut 67 days after his 20th birthday.
#justsayin.