| Chi Chi González | |
|---|---|
_(photo_by_Jeff_Warrington).jpg) Gonzalez pitching for theColorado Rockies 2019 spring training | |
| Miami Marlins – No. 99 | |
| Pitcher /Coach | |
| Born: (1992-01-15)January 15, 1992 (age 33) Delray Beach, Florida, U.S. | |
Batted: Right Threw: Right | |
| MLB debut | |
| May 30, 2015, for the Texas Rangers | |
| Last MLB appearance | |
| September 17, 2023, for the Miami Marlins | |
| MLB statistics | |
| Win–loss record | 9–24 |
| Earned run average | 5.68 |
| Strikeouts | 173 |
Stats atBaseball Reference  | |
| Teams | |
| |
Alexander Rios "Chi Chi"González (born January 15, 1992) is an American former professionalpitcher and formerbullpen catcher for theMiami Marlins ofMajor League Baseball (MLB). He played in MLB for theTexas Rangers,Colorado Rockies,Minnesota Twins,Milwaukee Brewers,New York Yankees, andMiami Marlins. González goes byChi Chi, a nickname given to him by his grandfather.[1]
Gonzalez attendedBoca Raton Community High School inBoca Raton, Florida, and played for the school's baseball team as apitcher andthird baseman.[2] TheBaltimore Orioles selected Gonzalez in the 11th round of the2010 Major League Baseball draft.[3] Rather than sign with the Orioles, Gonzalez attendedOral Roberts University, where he playedcollege baseball for theOral Roberts Golden Eagles.[4] In 2012, he playedcollegiate summer baseball in theCape Cod Baseball League for theYarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.[5]
TheTexas Rangers selected González in the first round, with the 23rd overall selection, of the2013 Major League Baseball draft.[6][7][8] He made his professional debut with theSpokane Indians and also played for theMyrtle Beach Pelicans. Prior to the 2014 season,Baseball Prospectus rated González as the 70th best prospect in baseball.[9] He started the season with Myrtle Beach before being promoted to the Double-AFrisco RoughRiders.[10] He started 2015 with the Triple-ARound Rock Express.[11][12]
González was called up to the majors for the first time on May 30, 2015, and made his major league debut that day. He faced the veteran lineup of theBoston Red Sox and began the game pitching5+2⁄3 innings without surrendering a hit. It was the longest no-hit stretch to begin a career for a Rangers pitcher since 1992.[13] On June 5, González threw a complete-game shutout against theKansas City Royals. It was his first career complete game.[14] Gonzalez was optioned down to Triple-A Round Rock July 4. González was diagnosed with a partial tear to theUCL in spring training of 2017. He was declared to needTommy John surgery, ending his 2017 season plus the whole 2018 season. On November 2, 2018, González elected free agency.[15]
On December 4, 2018, González signed a minor league contract with theColorado Rockies.[16] On June 25, his contract was selected by the Rockies.[17] In 2019, González pitched to a 5.29 earned run average over 14 games for the Rockies, with 46 strikeouts. In 2020 for the Rockies, González pitched to a 6.86 ERA with 16 strikeouts in19+2⁄3 innings pitched. On December 2, González was non-tendered by the Rockies, and became a free agent.
On December 11, 2020, González re-signed with the Rockies on a minor league contract.[18] On March 27, 2021, González was selected to the 40-man roster.[19] González made 24 appearances for the Rockies, going 3–7 with a 6.46 earned run average and 56 strikeouts. On October 3, the Rockies designated González for assignment.[20] On October 8, González elected free agency.[21]
On March 18, 2022, González signed a minor league contract with theMinnesota Twins. He had his contract selected on June 3, and was returned to Triple-A on June 4. On June 10, González triggered the opt-out clause in his contract, giving Minnesota until the weekend to add him to the 40-man roster or release him. The next day, González was selected to the active roster to start against theTampa Bay Rays. He lasted four innings, giving up three earned runs on eight hits while striking out three, and was designated for assignment following the game.[22]
On June 14, 2022, Gonzalez was claimed off waivers by theMilwaukee Brewers after having beendesignated for assignment by the Minnesota Twins.[23] He made his first start for Milwaukee on June 21, 2022.[24] In 4 games (2 starts) for Milwaukee, Gonzalez registered a 6.35 ERA with 8 strikeouts in 11.1 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment on July 12. He cleared waivers and was sent outright to the Triple-ANashville Sounds on July 16. However, González rejected the assignment and elected free agency.[25]
On July 22, 2022, Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with the Tigers and assigned him to theToledo Mud Hens. On August 26, 2022, he opted out of the minor league contract and was released.[26]
On August 30, 2022, Gonzalez signed a minor league deal with theNew York Yankees. He was called up and made his first start on October 2, against theBaltimore Orioles. He was designated for assignment on October 3, and assigned theScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders.[27] On October 24, Gonzalez elected free agency.
On December 15, 2022, Gonzalez signed a minor league contract with theMiami Marlins. He began the 2023 season with the Triple-AJacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, making 6 starts and registering a 2-2 record and 4.54 ERA with 18 strikeouts in33+2⁄3 innings pitched. On May 4, 2023, Gonzalez had his contract selected to the active roster.[28] In two relief appearances for Miami, Gonzalez surrendered one run on four hits with two strikeouts in2+2⁄3 innings pitched. He was designated for assignment on May 12, following the promotion ofEury Pérez.[29] He cleared waivers and was sent outright to Jacksonville on May 14.[30] On September 17, Gonzalez had his contract selected back to the major league roster.[31] He was designated for assignment for a second time on September 20.[32] Gonzalez again cleared waivers and was outrighted to Jacksonville on September 23.[33] He elected free agency on October 15.[34]
Prior to the 2025 season, González joined theMiami Marlins as abullpencatcher.[35]
Gonzalez is of Cuban descent.[36]
{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link) CS1 maint: numeric names: authors list (link)