by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (5/20/2013) A month and a half into the season, Adrian Gonzalez remains in a power funk, and his lack of clout has left him outside the top 15 in Fantasy value among first basemen. That's not what Gonzalez's owners bargained for on Draft Day, but despite the lackluster results, there are still plenty of reasons to hold out hope for the remaining three-fourths of the season.
Gonzalez is striking out less and hitting fewer grounders and more line drives, all of which goes a long way towards explaining his .331 batting average. He's also driving in runs at a prolific pace, possibly headed towards eclipsing his career high of 119 RBI. Gonzalez's spray chart from TexasLeaguers.com shows that he's hitting the ball deep, so more homers could be in his future.
The only problem that Gonzalez may not be able to fix is his lack of runs scored. He's crossed home plate just 11 times, and given the lack of pop in the latter half of the Dodgers' lineup, that pace may not improve much. With everything else that could go right, though, Gonzalez is a nice buy-low target.
Adrian Gonzalez extends hitting streak in return
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (5/14/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez returned to the starting lineup Monday against the Nationals after getting Sunday off and extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a single in the first inning. Gonzalez finished 2 for 4, producing his second straight multi-hit game and third in May.
Gonzalez is batting .382 (13 for 34) with one double, two home runs and nine RBI during his 10-game hit streak.
Adrian Gonzalez starting for Dodgers
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (5/13/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (neck) started for L.A. on Monday against Washington after he was removed for precautionary reasons from Sunday's game in the seventh inning.
Gonzalez was removed Sunday in order to prevent aggravation of a neck injury and apparently it worked, though he's been taking it easy with his playing time since the issue arose.
Gonzalez, who said Sunday his neck is feeling better every day, was riding a nine-game hitting streak entering Monday. He's hitting .345 and says his neck is not an issue in the batter's box.
Dodgers playing it safe with Adrian Gonzalez
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (5/12/2013) It's not every day first baseman Adrian Gonzalez leaves a game in the seventh inning. But with the Dodgers holding a six-run lead over Miami on Saturday night, he was removed as the team maintains a cautious approach with the veteran slugger in order to prevent aggravating his strained neck.
"We don’t know what gets him," manager Don Mattingly told the Los Angeles Times. "There was that play when he went to his right on that roller and gets the lead guy, that stung him a little bit. Then a swing stung him, so we knew he was hurt and it was a good time to get him out of there."
Gonzalez, who is riding a nine-game hitting streak to raise his batting average to .345, said the neck is not an issue when he's in the batter's box. However, that changes when he's doing everything else.
"It's getting better every day, but once I get out there and start running, throwing and moving it, the pain starts and it gets worse and worse and worse," he said. "You just have to deal with the pain as the game progresses."
Gonzalez took a seat in favor of Scott Van Slyke at first base for Sunday's series finale, but is expected to return to the lineup Monday against Washington.
Adrian Gonzalez returns with a bang
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/11/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez returned to action Friday night against Miami.
Gonzalez, who left Wednesday's game with a neck injury, had a three-run homer off starter Jose Fernandez. He finished 1 for 4 with a run scored and three RBI in a 5-4 defeat.
Gonzalez has a .339/.394/.518 line with four home runs and 26 RBI in 112 at-bats.
Adrian Gonzalez returns to lineup
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/10/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who left Wednesday's game against the Diamondbacks with a neck issue, returned to the starting lineup Friday night against the Marlins, as he originally promised.
Gonzalez has hit safely in each of his last seven games. He is hitting .364/.348/.545 with one home run and six RBI over that stretch.
Adrian Gonzalez wants to play Friday, manager not sure
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez said he would be ready to play Friday, but his manager sounds less optimistic.
Gonzalez left Wednesday's game with a neck injury, and is considered day to day. Gonzalez seemed to think he would be fine after a day off Thursday. Manager Don Mattingly disagreed, saying he was sure Gonzalez's injury is "not going to be good." Mattingly said he expects Gonzalez to avoid the disabled list.
Adrian Gonzalez day to day with neck injury
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez is day to day after aggravating his strained neck Wednesday against the Diamondbacks.
Los Angeles has an off day Thursday before opening a series with Miami Friday.
Gonzalez has collected a hit in seven straight contests and has gone 8 for 22 (.364) with one homer and six RBI during that span.
Adrian Gonzalez forced out early
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/9/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez left Wednesday's contest against the Diamondbacks in the fourth inning with an apparent injury. The 31-year-old has been playing through a mild strain in his left trapezius muscle at the base of his neck the last three games.
Gonzalez went 1 for 2 with an RBI double before the early exit.
Adrian Gonzalez keeps on hitting
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/7/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to five games in his return to the lineup Monday night against the Diamondbacks. He went 2 for 4 with two singles in the 9-2 loss.
Gonzalez has gone 6 for 16 (.375) during his streak with a homer and five RBI.
Adrian Gonzalez plans to play through neck strain
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/6/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez did not take batting practice before returning to the lineup Monday against the Diamondbacks as to not aggravate his neck injury, the Los Angeles Times reports. He underwent an MRI that showed a mild strain of the neck muscle, but the 30-year-old plans to play through the issue.
Adrian Gonzalez starting Monday
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/6/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was in the starting lineup for the first time since Wednesday in the series opener against the Diamondbacks Monday. He had been dealing with a neck injury.
Gonzalez has at least a hit in his last four games and is 4 for 12 (.333) with a homer and five RBI during that span.
Adrian Gonzalez drives in two off bench
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was able to pinch-hit in Sunday's series finale against the Giants. He came on in the eighth inning with the bases loaded and hit a two-run single. After advancing to second base, he was pinch-ran for by Justin Sellers.
Gonzalez, who has 22 RBI, had been out of the lineup three straight games due to a neck injury.
Adrian Gonzalez scratched late again
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) For the second straight day, Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was placed in the starting lineup, only to be scratched minutes before the first pitch. Gonzalez has now missed his last three games with a neck injury.
The team believes Gonzalez has a strained trapezius, ESPN reports. Gonzalez, who is available as a pinch-hitter, is scheduled to undergo an MRI.
He is hitting .256 with a home run and eight RBI in his last 11 games. His status remains up in the air for Monday's series opener at home against the Diamondbacks.
Adrian Gonzalez back in lineup
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/5/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who missed his last two games with a neck injury, returned to the starting lineup Sunday night against the Giants.
Gonzalez is hitting .256 with a home run and eight RBI in his last 11 games. He is hitting .317/.389/.603 with four homers and 13 RBI in 63 at-bats against lifetime against Sunday's starter, Matt Cain.
Adrian Gonzalez a late scratch again
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez (neck), who was originally in the starting lineup, was a late scratch again Saturday at San Francisco.
Gonzalez was seen wearing a neck brace in the clubhouse. Jerry Hairston will take his spot in the lineup. Gonzalez is hitting .256 with a home run and eight RBI in his last 11 games.
Adrian Gonzalez works past neck injury
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/4/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who was seen in the clubhouse with his neck in a soft cervical collar, returned to the starting lineup Saturday night against the Giants.
Gonzalez is hitting .256 with a home run and eight RBI in his last 11 games. He is 0 for 3 with a strikeout lifetime against Saturday's starter, Ryan Vogelsong.
Adrian Gonzalez scratched with neck issue
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (5/3/2013) The Dodgers have scratched first baseman Adrian Gonzalez from Friday's lineup at San Francisco with a neck issue. Gonzalez hurt his neck bumping into an umpire Wednesday night.
Gonzalez hit .273 with a homer and three RBI in his last three games before getting hurt. He is hitting .330/.393/.495 with three home runs and 20 RBI in 112 at-bats.
Adrian Gonzalez hits third home run
by Chris Cwik | CBSSports.com (5/2/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hit his third home run of the season Wednesday against the Rockies.
Gonzalez took a Juan Nicasio slider over the right field wall in the bottom of the first inning. He worked the count, homering on the sixth pitch he saw. Gonzalez is now hitting .330/.393/.495 in 97 at-bats this year.
Adrian Gonzalez hitless in last six at-bats
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/29/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who was scratched Saturday with a skin infection, endured a quiet day at the plate against the Brewers Sunday afternoon.
Gonzalez flied out in all four of his at-bats as he finished 0 for 4 in a 2-0 victory. He has been held without a hit in his last six at-bats.
Gonzalez is hitting .337 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 86 at-bats.
Adrian Gonzalez back in lineup
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez returned to the starting lineup Sunday against Milwaukee after he was scratched the previous day in order to have a skin infection examined. Gonzalez, who was able to serve as a pinch hitter in Saturday's loss, reclaimed his No. 3 spot in the batting order against the Brewers.
Adrian Gonzalez makes pinch-hit appearance
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/28/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez, who was scratched out of the starting lineup with a skin infection on his right leg, made a pinch-hit appearance Saturday night against the Brewers.
Gonzalez grounded out in the seventh and flied out in the ninth. He finished 0 for 2 in a 6-4 defeat.
Gonzalez should be healthy enough to start Sunday against the Brewers. He is hitting .354 with two home runs and 17 RBI in 82 at-bats.
Adrian Gonzalez scratched with skin infection
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (4/27/2013) Just a day after driving in three runs, Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was scratched from Saturday's contest against the Brewers with a skin infection on his right leg. Gonzalez is receiving treatment at a hospital but will be available to make a pinch-hit appearance late in the game.
Gonzalez is hitting .318 (7 for 26) with five RBI in his last six games played. He is listed as day to day.
On-base run ends for Adrian Gonzalez
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/26/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez failed to reach base for the first time in seven games in Thursday's 3-2 victory over the Mets. Gonzalez, who has maintained the No. 3 spot in the batting order following a promotion earlier this week, went 0 for 4 as his average dipped to .355.
During his on-base streak, he was 8 for 21 with five walks and drove in three runs. Gonzalez is ranked fifth in the National League in average.
Adrian Gonzalez earns higher spot in lineup
by Bill Passonno | CBSSports.com (4/21/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez finished 2 for 4 with a walk after being moved to the No. 3 spot in the batting order during Los Angeles' 7-4 victory at Baltimore Sunday. Gonzalez, who entered the game ranked third in the National League with a .377 batting average and tied for sixth in on-base percentage (.444), swapped places with Matt Kemp in the lineup after hitting cleanup all season.
He now has eight multi-hit outings and one of his hits Sunday was a double -- halting a four-game stretch without an extra-base hit. Gonzalez has reached base in all but two of the Dodgers' 18 games this season.
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (4/16/2013) Former Padres first baseman Adrian Gonzalez has hit safely in all 13 games he's played against San Diego since being traded to Boston following the 2010 season, according to U-T San Diego.
Gonzalez, who is playing for the Dodgers, is hitting .429 (24 for 56) with one home run and 14 RBI in those 13 games. In four games against San Diego this season, Gonzalez is batting .294 (5 for 17) with one double, one home run and four RBI.
Adrian Gonzalez showing signs of revival
by Al Melchior | Data Analyst (4/15/2013) While many owners were investing early picks on Adrian Gonzalez in drafts this year, there were still questions about how much of a risk he would be. With only 18 home runs last season, owners had to be banking on Gonzalez regaining his power in his first full season with the Dodgers, even though that was hardly a sure thing.
The early returns looks promising. Not only has Gonzalez homered in two of his last four games, but he appears to have rediscovered his plate discipline. In 44 plate appearances, Gonzalez has struck out only five times while drawing six walks, and according to FanGraphs.com, he has swung at pitches outside the strike zone at a rate of 25.5 percent, as compared to a 37.3 percent rate last season.
After only 12 games, all of the early-season small sample caveats still apply, but owners can feel good about Gonzalez taking steps in the right direction.
Adrian Gonzalez hits first home run
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (4/12/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hit his first home run of the year Thursday night, a screaming shot into the right field seats. The two-run home run was Gonzalez's only hit in five trips to the plate, dropping his average to .364.
Adrian Gonzalez adds to RBI total
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez had a productive day at the plate in Sunday's series finale against the Pirates. He went 3 for 4 with four RBI in a 6-2 win.
Gonzalez singled home two in his first at-bat before collecting RBI singles in the fifth and seventh. Two of his three hits came against lefty Jeff Locke.
"Lefties allow me to simplify things," Gonzalez said. "I tend to get greedy against righties, and I try to drive the ball and I end up pulling off it. But with lefties, I usually just try to take what they give me.
"I'm not trying to drive the ball, just take a single. And if the ball's away then I try to go the other way and not get too quick. There's a perfect swing, and then there's a swing that gets results. Right now, I have a swing that gets results."
Adrian Gonzalez hitting well early on
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/7/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez put together his second straight multi-hit performance Saturday night against the Pirates. He went 2 for 3 with a walk in the 1-0 win.
Gonzalez is batting .313 (5 for 16) through five games with one RBI.
Adrian Gonzalez carries hitting streak into 2013
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (4/1/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez ended the 2012 campaign riding a 15-game hitting streak. He was able to extend it on opening day against the Giants on Monday by going 1 for 2 with a single. Gonzalez also walked once in the 4-0 win.
Gonzalez, who is entering his first full season with Los Angeles, batted just .253 with a .373 slugging percentage during spring training.
Adrian Gonzalez records hit against minor-league team
by R.J. White | CBSSports.com (3/29/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez recorded a single, walk and run in Thursday's matchup against Class A Advanced Rancho Cucamonga. He has struggled in Cactus League play over the past week, collecting just two singles in 14 at-bats over his lave five games. He also has just three extra base hits in 44 at-bats this spring. Gonzalez will hope to get things turned around once regular-season play begins.
Adrian Gonzalez scratched from lineup on Sunday
by Jeff Lippman | CBSSports.com (3/24/2013)Adrian Gonzalez of the Los Angeles Dodgers was scratched on Sunday from Cactus League action against Oakland due to a bruised right arm, reports MLB.com.
Gonzalez's injury is not expected to be serious. He is day to day. Gonzalez was hurt after taking a pitch on the arm in Saturday's game. The slugger is hitting .289 this spring over 38 at-bats with two home runs and eight RBI.
Adrian Gonzalez's home runs worth noting
by Scott White | Senior Fantasy Writer (3/18/2013) I'm interested in seeing how the rest of spring training goes for Adrian Gonzalez.
He hit a home run representing Mexico in the World Baseball Classic, but his first two in the Cactus League were Sunday and both to the opposite field. That's especially notable because manager Don Mattingly said he thought Gonzalez was a little too pull-conscious during the brief period he played for the Dodgers in 2012, which was a disappointing year for him on just about every level.
Again, I'll want to see more of it, but if it continues, I'll be more inclined to take Gonzalez at his going rate. So far, I have yet to select him in a draft this year.
Adrian Gonzalez hits two homers the other way
by Ed Gauna | CBSSports.com (3/17/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez hit his first home runs of the spring in Sunday's Cactus League contest against the Brewers. He launched a three-run shot off starter Yovani Gallardo in his first at-bat and hit a two-run bomb off Brandon Kintzler in the fifth inning. Gonzalez also added a sac fly and finished 2 for 2 with six RBI in the 11-1 win.
Both drives by the left-handed-hitting Gonzalez went to left field.
"That's where my swing should go," he said. "Hopefully, I can carry that over into the regular season."
Gonzalez goes deep vs. USA
by Igor Mello | CBSSports.com (3/9/2013) Dodgers first baseman Adrian Gonzalez made his presence felt for Team Mexico in Friday's World Baseball Classic game against Team USA. Gonzalez took R.A. Dickey deep in the third inning for a two-run shot. He finished 1 for 2 with three walks, a home run and three RBI in a 5-2 victory.
Dodgers 'happy' to have Gonzalez
by Michael Hurcomb | CBSSports.com (2/27/2013)The Orange County Register reports Dodgers manager Don Mattingly said he noticed first baseman Adrian Gonzalez was more of a pull-conscious hitter when he arrived in a midseason trade last year than he remembered from his days with the Padres. However, Mattingly is confident the 30-year-old Gonzalez can still be an elite hitter. "Let's look at the two years over there," Mattingly said of Gonzalez's detour to Boston. "The first one was .330 or something with 28 bombs and 120 (RBI). If that's bad, we'll take it all year long. I know what happened last year. The media gets going on something like that, it just doesn't rest. We're happy that Adrian is here and confident in what he brings to the table."
