BALTIMORE — Despite his recent struggles, Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez will remain part of the starting rotation, manager Buck Showalter said.
Gonzalez got tagged for a season-high seven runs in just five innings in a 15-2 loss to the Twins on Thursday. It was the most runs he allowed since the season debut in Detroit in 2014. Gonzalez is now 9-9 with a 4.73 ERA in 23 starts.
Showalter said Gonzalez is putting in the time with pitching coach Dave Wallace and is hopeful the two will find ways to overcome the pitcher’s recent struggles.
“He needs to get better,” Showalter said. “He needs to finish off some counts when they get in his favor. They grind every day, (Wallace) and Miguel. They’re trying to figure it out.”
Gonzalez has allowed 22 runs in his last five starts. He has not been the same since going on the DL on June 11 with a right groin strain. He has a 6.48 ERA in 11 starts since rejoining the team.
“This game isn’t easy, and it’ll humble you for sure,” Gonzalez said. “No matter how good you are, you are going to go through some tough times. All you have to do is forget about it and move on.”
Gonzalez was 10-9 with posted the lowest ERA of his three-career at 3.23 last season. The Orioles simply do not have any better attractive options in the minors. The most logical choice to replace Gonzalez in the rotation would be right-hander Mike Wright, but he is still battling back from a left calf strain.
Even though Gonzalez has struggled, he still has his manager’s confidence.
“He’s our best option,” Showalter said. “I don’t think twice about it.”