This past MLB off-season, the Baltimore Orioles signed closer Mike Gonzalez to a $12 million, two-year deal. He isn’t a stranger to receiving “boos” especially when he blew two saves during three outings. Right now, though, his main focus is being the most effective closer that he can possibly be for his entire team now that he has been activated from the 60-day disabled list. Official announcement for this move was made prior to the O’s game Wednesday against Tampa Bay.

He had issues during spring training regarding his health such as back spasms. Rumors flew around saying that maybe he had an injury that was preexisting prior to his sign with the O’s when he was placed on DL early in the season. He visited a known orthopedic surgeon that was able to determine that he did have some trouble with his left shoulder, especially inflammation.

He officially went on the DL on April 10 for a strained left shoulder but in his three games before being placed on the disabled list, Gonzalez was 0-2 with 18.00 earned run average.

We’ll see what Gonzalez can do now that he has been activated from the disabled list. He has some catching up to do that’s for sure to prove that he can be an effective closer.

Apart from Gonzalez being activated from the DL, the Orioles have also recalled Troy Patton from AAA Norfolk, which was also announced prior to Wednesday’s Tampa Bay game. The last time Patton has played in the Major Leagues was back in 2007. With his 18 starts at AAA Norfolk, the left-hander is 6-9 with an earned run average of 4.91.

To make room for the above two moves, Josh Bell (third baseman) was optioned to AAA Norfolk and Jim Johnson (pitcher) was placed on the 60-day DL.

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