More Injury Issues for Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez

Phillies right-hander Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez began feeling arm fatigue three starts into his rehab assignment. After experiencing what was believed to be a shoulder issue since early on in spring training, he has made nice progress in recent weeks.

Gonzalez, a 27-year-old right-hander from Cuba, signed a three-year, $12 million contract with the Phillies last August.  However, he was very disappointing during spring training, posting a 16.87 ERA and 4.50 WHIP in 2 2/3 innings.  Remember it was reported last year that the Cuban righty and the Phillies had agreed to a six-year, $48 million contract, but the feeling is that medical concerns caused a significant drop in the price.

His fastball has be consistently between 92-94 mph since his return, which is a significant improvement over where he was in the spring, when he was in the 88-91 mph range.

After an examination by club doctors, there's nothing structurally wrong with him. He'll resume throwing Today and should resume his rehab assignment before long if all goes well.

However it is doubtful that he will be able to make any significant contribution to the major league club this season.  Prior to the season, Phillies general manager Ruben Amaro, Jr. hoped Gonzalez would be a member of the 2014 rotation.