Marco Gonzales to have surgery on a nerve issue in his left forearm, with it improving his chances of being ready for Mariners spring training next year.
Marco Gonzles‘ season is officially over with the Mariners. After a lot of deliberation and soul-searching, he has made the heart-wrenching decision to undergo surgery.
The surgery will take place on August 22, to decompress the anterior interosseous nerve in his left forearm. Gonzales has been out of action since his last start in late May.
All attempts to find a solution without the need for surgery have apparently been exhausted. In addition, the 31-year-old was weary of putting himself in position to return for the beginning of next season.
In this respect, the anticipated recovery period means Gonzales can begin his normal offseason preparations as usual. By extension, it improves his chances of being available on time for spring training.
Mixture of frustration and relief
The southpaw discussed the frustration of not playing, but also the relief of finally coming up with a solution. Speaking to the media on Sunday, he said:
“There’s this ticking clock of (needing) to come back this year and just trying to do everything I can. It’s frustrating when you’re not making any progress and you’re seeing the team out there and you want to contribute, and I’m sitting here with still no answers and not making any progress. So I’m thankful that we’ve come to a diagnosis and a treatment plan.”
Gonzales went on to explain what happened after he suffered the injury during his last start versus the Pirates. He said:
“It became harder and harder to get loose each inning. I felt some achy soreness in my forearm, in the middle of it. Basically ever since then each time I go to throw a baseball I feel this aching, sore pain in the middle of my forearm.”
Initially, the Mariners thought the Fort Collins, Colorado native had a strained forearm. In the end however, it turned out to be an injury not commonly associated with baseball.
Gonzales was just glad it wasn’t anything even more serious, even though he would have preferred not to undergo surgery. He said:
“(Surgery) is necessary we believe, to right the problem. Thankfully, it’s not a ligament or tendon or anything that needs to be repaired.”
Where does Gonzales fit in next season?
Next season will be Gonzales’ final year of a four-year, $30 million deal, which has a base salary of $12 million. (There is a $15 million club option in 2025, but it contains no buyout.) The question is, where will he fit into the Mariners’ plans for 2024?
Luis Castillo, George Kirby and Logan Gilbert are all established, while Bryce Miller and Bryan Woo have fitted in well. In addition, top-rated prospect Emerson Hancock should get more opportunities, while Robbie Ray will be back at some point from Tommy John surgery.
Formerly a staff ace, could Gonzales have to make do with coming out of the bullpen in some capacity, potentially as a long reliever? This would be tough for him to accept, given his competitive mindset and self-belief.
Prior to his injury, the 2013 19th overall draft pick went 4-1 in 10 starts, in the process recording a 5.22 ERA, 4.29 FIP and 1.460 WHIP. For his seven years with the Mariners he is 61-47 in 151 games (including 148 starts), with a 4.08 ERA, 4.34 FIP and 1.272 WHIP.
With all of the pitching options the Mariners have, where do you see Gonzales fitting in next year? Do you view him as a viable starter, a long reliever, or perhaps another role? Let us know in the comments section below.
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