Atomic RoadRunners | Andrew Flynn’s High-Energy Fantasy Baseball

Braves reliever Mike Gonzalez pitched one perfect inning at extended spring training Thursday, his first appearance since undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery some 11 months ago. Gonzalez, who had 24 saves as Pittsburgh’s closer in 2006, struck out two in his appearance at Kissimmee, Florida. The left-hander was acquired by the Braves before last season in a deal that sent Adam LaRoche to the Pirates. Gonzalez went 2-0 with two saves and a 1.59 ERA in 18 appearances before he underwent Tommy John surgery on May 31. He’s ahead of schedule in his rehab, with the Braves hopeful that Gonzalez might return to the big league club by mid-May. His next appearance at extended spring training is scheduled for Saturday. The Braves weren’t really in need of Gonzalez until Rafael Soriano and Peter Moylan both went down with arm injuries. Now, Gonzalez can’t get healthy fast enough. There is a possibility Gonzalez will close out games down the road, so NL-only Fantasy owners will want to stash him away. (CBS Sports)

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