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Washington Nationals: The Recent Adventures of Gio Gonzalez

By Ross Shinberg

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: Starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 29: Starting pitcher Gio Gonzalez #47 of the Washington Nationals delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on August 29, 2018 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Drew Hallowell/Getty Images) /
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The Washington Nationals traded Gio Gonzalez nearly one year ago.  What has he been up to over the last eleven months?

Washington Nationals fans love Gio Gonzalez.  Back then, and even right meow, Gonzalez has been a fan favorite ever since his first season with the team in 2012.

Coming off of his first All-Star appearance in 2011, Gonzalez backed it up by making his second All-Star team and placing third in the National League Cy Young vote.

He also received Cy Young votes in 2017 after recording a 2.96 ERA, and 3.7 WAR in over 200 innings pitched.

However, after the Nationals faltered down the stretch last season, Gonzalez was a casualty of the (second) trade deadline, joining Matt Adams, Daniel Murphy, Brandon Kintzler, and Ryan Madson.

Gonzalez was traded to the Milwaukee Brewers and pitched exceptionally well for them in September.  He threw 25.1 innings and posted a 2.13 ERA.

Milwaukee went on to make the NLCS, giving Gonzalez a shot at postseason innings.  However, he didn’t see much action, pitching only three innings over two games and allowing two earned runs.

After the season, Gonzalez elected for free agency and signed with the New York Yankees in late March.  He didn’t pitch one time for New York before getting released in April.  Shortly after his release, Milwaukee signed him to a one-year deal.

In 2019, he picked up right where he left off with the Brewers.  In 54.1 innings pitched, Gonzalez is touting a 3.81 ERA over 11 starts.

The Brewers rotation is relatively weak, with Brandon Woodruff as the only other above average starter.  If Gonzalez can pitch like the way Nats fans know he can, he’ll make the Brewers a dangerous team in October.

Luckily for the Nats, they won’t have to face their former teammate this series.  Gonzalez pitched on Wednesday and is not projected to start in D.C.

Next. Nats Reunite with Holland. dark

Regardless, Nats fans everywhere should wish Gio the best of luck in his MLB career.  Well, except for when and if he does face the Nationals next.

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