Derian

Gonzalez

The 25-year-old hurler spent six seasons pitching in the minor leagues with the Cardinals from 2013-2018, compiling a 3.51 ERA, 1.37 WHIP and 361/155 K/BB ratio over 366 2/3 innings. He’s currently pitching for Mara in the Venezuelan Winter League, which could be where he caught the Braves’ eye.

Gonzalez was designated for assignment last week but has cleared waivers and will remain in the organization. He posted a 3.51 ERA and 32/15 K/BB ratio over 33 1/3 innings in the minors last season.

Gonzalez was added to the 40-man roster exactly one year ago, but he missed time with injury this season while posting a 3.51 ERA and 32/15 K/BB ratio over 33 1/3 innings in the minors. The 23-year-old is now getting bumped as the Cardinals set themselves up for next month’s Rule 5 Draft.

Gonzalez, 22, put up a 4.33 ERA and 72/30 K/BB ratio across 79 frames at Palm Beach in 2017. He was moved to the bullpen late in the year and that’s probably where his future lies.