Padres claim Enrique Gonzalez from Nationals

The San Diego Padres announced today that they have claimed right-handed pitcher Enrique Gonzalez off waivers from the Washington Nationals. Executive Vice President/General Manager Kevin Towers made the announcement.

Enrique Gonzalez spent the majority of 2007 with Triple-A Tucson in the Diamondbacks organization. He went 8-10 with a 5.15 ERA (88 ER/153.2 IP) in 27 starts. Gonzalez made one appearance for the Diamondbacks, allowing four runs (three earned) over 2.0 frames June 18 vs. Tampa Bay. The 25-year-old was claimed off waivers by Washington on September 17, but did not appear in a game for the Nationals.

Over parts of two Major League seasons with the Diamondbacks, Gonzalez is 3-7 with a 5.82 ERA (70 ER/108.1 IP) in 23 games (18 starts). Gonzalez has recorded 66 strikeouts compared to 35 walks and is holding opponents to a .278 batting average.