photo: Merandy Gonzalez (Gary A. Vasquez/Imagn)
St. Louis Cardinals press release
The St. Louis Cardinals announced today (Thursday, March 28) that they have claimed RHP Merandy (murr-ANN-dee) González off waivers from the San Francisco Giants, added him to the 40-man roster and have optioned him to Double-A Springfield. Left-handed pitcher Brett Cecil was transferred from the 10-day to the 60-day injured list.
González, 23, appeared in eight games for the Miami Marlins in 2018 posting a 2-1 record with a 5.73 ERA over 22.0 innings with 19 strikeouts making one start. He made his Major League debut at Milwaukee on April 19, 2018, tossing 2.0 scoreless innings in relief. His first Major League win came at Dodger Stadium throwing 3.0 innings in relief on April 25, 2018.
The right-handed pitcher from Cotui, Dominican Republic, was originally signed as a non-drafted free agent by the New York Mets in 2013. The Marlins acquired González from the Mets along with minor league OF Ricardo Céspedes in a 2017 trade for All-Star RHP A.J. Ramos. The Giants most recently claimed him off waivers from the Marlins on March 2.
González has appeared in 91 career minor league games over six seasons (2013-2018,) posting marks of 33-20 with a 2.79 ERA in 442.2 career innings pitching for affiliates in the Mets and Marlins organizations while achieving mid-season All-Star accolades with Columbia (A) in the South Atlantic League.
Cecil, 32, was placed on the 10-day injured list coming out of Spring Training with left hand Carpal Tunnel syndrome. He has made 113 career appearances as a member of the Cardinals over the past two seasons.
Brian Walton’s take
With Gonzalez having two option years remaining, the Cardinals have ample time to see if they can get him to become a regular contributor at the Majid League level. He has just 26 days of MLB service, so free agency is far in the future.
With the Memphis roster set, it appears Gonzalez will report to Double-A, the level at which he made 14 starts last season, posting a 4.32 ERA. He reported to Miami’s camp this spring with the thought he could compete for the big-league rotation, but pitched just one inning for San Francisco before being reassigned to minor league camp.
MLB Pipeline offered a scouting report for the player who was ranked the no. 13 prospect in the Miami system in 2017.
“While Gonzalez is a bit undersized at 6-foot-1, his arm is more than big enough. He pitched at 93 mph with Brooklyn but showed he can reach back for 96-97 mph. He’ll throw a very good curveball and messes with a slider, and they will run into each other at times. He has the ability to throw an above-average breaking ball, and likes to throw it, so getting him to focus on one might help him developmentally. His changeup is developing, and he needs to throw it more often so it can improve. While he’s generally around the strike zone, he does leave balls in the middle of the plate at times. With good athleticism and a repeatable delivery, his command should improve over time.”
The fact that Cecil has been moved to the 60-day IL suggests his return in the first half may be questionable. That transaction was needed to create 40-man roster space for Gonzalez.
For more
To track the Cardinals’ 25- and 40-man rosters as well as all players in the system by position and level, check out the Roster Matrix, always free and updated here at The Cardinal Nation. Also included is every player transaction across the full organization all year long.
Bonus for members of The Cardinal Nation
Not yet a member?
Join The Cardinal Nation for the most comprehensive coverage of the St. Louis Cardinals from the majors through the entire minor league system. Annual members may purchase the new 2019 Prospect Guide PDF for less than half price. In addition, out limited edition printed and bound Guides are going fast, so get yours today!
Brian Walton can be reached via email at brian@thecardinalnation.com or for fastest turnaround, pose your questions on The Cardinal Nation’s members-only forum. Follow Brian on Twitter.
© 2019 The Cardinal Nation, thecardinalnation.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.