Wikelman González: Everything you need to know

Gonzalez (back) has struck out two across two scoreless innings in two appearances at Triple-A Charlotte to begin the 2026 season. Gonzalez dealt with a back injury during spring training, but he's managed to return to health for the start of the 2026 campaign. He's yet to allow a baserunner through two appearances and should be in the running for a promotion at some point this year if he continues to deal in the minors.

The White Sox optioned Gonzalez (back) to Triple-A Charlotte on Monday. Gonzalez hasn't made any Cactus League appearances since last Tuesday due to a back issue, but he didn't make much of a case for winning a spot in Chicago's Opening Day bullpen after yielding three earned runs on five hits and six walks in 3.1 innings through his first three spring outings. Assuming he's able to move past the back injury within the next couple of weeks, Gonzalez should open the season in a high-leverage role out of the Charlotte bullpen.

Gonzalez left Tuesday's spring training game versus the Padres due to tightness in his lower back. Gonzalez took the mound in the top half of the seventh inning, and he struck out his first batter but then allowed a single and three consecutive walks. He departed the game after walking in a run on what turned out to be his final batter. The White Sox labeled the righty as day-to-day after his exit.