\n<\/p>\n
White Sox right-hander Wikelman Gonzalez was thrust into action on Saturday after Martin Perez was pulled after a poor four innings of work.<\/p>\n
Gonzalez entered against the heart of the Tigers\u2019 lineup, not an easy spot in the lineup to navigate for any reliever, particularly a rookie.<\/p>\n
But Gonzalez was in attack mode early, getting slugger Spencer Torkelson to strike out looking, striking out two-time All-Star Riley Greene and inducing a fly out to Andy Ibanez. Then in the sixth, Gonzalez struck out the side \u2014Dillon Dangler, Zach McKinstry and Javier Baez. In total, Gonzalez recorded five punchouts and zero walks in two innings.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat might be the best outing we\u2019ve seen from Wikelman,\u201d manager Will Venable said.<\/p>\n
While catcher Kyle Teel and outfielder Braden Montgomery were the headliners of the trade, Gonzalez and infielder Chase Meidroth have proven to be capable contributors for the Sox.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means a lot to hear that,\u201d Gonzalez told the Sun-Times through an interpreter about Venable\u2019s comments. \u201cI\u2019m feeling pretty good right now. I think I\u2019m doing a good job. And, you know, it\u2019s important to me to go out there and take advantage of every opportunity and perform.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gonzalez arrived in Chicago as a starter with high walk rates throughout Boston\u2019s minor-league system but with electric stuff. He started the season off as a starter before the organization transitioned him to the bullpen to accelerate his path to the majors.<\/p>\n
He got ahead 0-1 against four of the six Detroit hitters he faced. His fastball averages out at 95.3 mph and is thrown from a low three-quarters slot. Opponents are batting just .091\/ against Gonzalez\u2019s fastball. His pitches are hard to hit, but he must consistently be competitive in the zone to effectively utilize his velocity. He\u2019s said finding his routine and being more worried about his game plan has been helpful.<\/p>\n
\u201cI know that they have a very good lineup, but I just tried to focus on myself and executing what I know I can do instead of the heaters,\u201d Gonzalez said.<\/p>\n