Brewers Claim RHP Chi Chi Gonzalez Off Waivers, Peralta To 60 Day IL

Prior to the Brewers starting a series against the Mets in New York, the team announced a pair of roster moves. The Brewers claimed right handed pitcher Chi Chi Gonzalez off waivers from the Twins and Freddy Peralta was subsequently transferred to the 60 day IL.

It was previously announced that Peralta would miss significant time for the Brewers and likely will not be re-evaluated until August, so transferring him to the 60 day IL is not surprising. The addition of Chi Chi Gonzalez is not to replace Peralta, but more so to provide additional pitching depth.

Who is Chi Chi Gonzalez?

Gonzalez is a 30 year old right-handed pitcher who has spent the majority of his career pitching for the Texas Rangers and Colorado Rockies. For his career he has a 5.69 ERA and has logged over 100 major league innings in a season just once.

2022 was his first year with the Minnesota Twins in which he made just two appearances, pitched seven innings, and gave up six earned runs. The Twins starting rotation has had a lot of injuries, which prompted him to be called up in early June. He was pitching quite well at Triple-A St. Paul as he had a 3.44 ERA over 36.2 innings pitched.

On the mound, Gonzalez throws a low 90’s fastball, a sinker, and mixes in a slider and changeup quite regularly. He is not a big strikeout pitcher and will rely upon location and timing in order to have success.

Where might Gonzalez fit in on the Brewers?

The Brewers are currently down two men in their starting rotation. Peralta is out long term and Brandon Woodruff’s return off the IL is being delayed due to Raynaud’s syndrome. With the injuries, Aaron Ashby has been a regular in the rotation and most recently Jason Alexander as well.

With no spots open in the starting rotation, it seems likely that Gonzalez will work out of the bullpen. During the eight game losing streak, the bullpen got exposed at times and with a stretch of 13 games in a row without an off day, Gonzalez could easily find himself in game action soon.

Should Gonzalez find himself in a game, he will have to pitch well in order to get additional chances. His career numbers are not that impressive and he does not have overpowering stuff on the mound. How well he performs may dictate how long he remains a Brewer.