Miguel Gonzalez acknowledges he's 'still learning'

A lot of times, coaches and managers – especially Orioles skipper Buck Showalter – will make a point that their young or inexperienced player is still learning.

On Monday, after he turned in his worst statistical start since July 25, Orioles right-hander Miguel Gonzalez stressed the same thing.

“I’m still learning, still trying to do my best,” said Gonzalez, who allowed four runs in five innings in a 5-1 loss to the mighty Texas Rangers. “It wasn’t my best outing tonight. I went five. I wanted to go more but my pitch count was up.”

Gonzalez isn’t young – he’s 29 and currently the oldest pitcher in the Orioles’ rotation. But this is his first year in the majors after toiling in the minors and dealing with a couple season-killing injuries.

He has a maturity that belies his inexperience. And that was on display after his loss – his first since getting bombed on July 25 against Tampa Bay. Gonzalez had given up just three runs total in his past three games. He wasn’t angry or upset after giving up seeing-eye singles in the fourth that ultimately cost him the game.

“I’m just trying to forget tonight’s game,” he said. “I think we’re doing good right now. I’m not too worried about it. Just try to get better for next time.”