González pitched in some games for the Toros de Tijuana of the Liga Norte de México as a showcase for American scouts,[4] including those from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Boston Red Sox and Chicago Cubs.[5][6] On July 26, 2013, stories in the press reported that González agreed to a six-year contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, worth $60 million.[7] However, the Phillies never confirmed the report and subsequent reports mentioned that the deal might not happen.[8] On August 30, 2013, the Phillies announced they had signed González to a three-year, $12 million contract with a vesting option for 2017.[9]
Entering spring training, it was still unknown whether he would be a member of the big league starting rotation, bullpen, or whether he would start the season with the Phillies Class AAA affiliate, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs.[10] Ultimately, he opened the season on the 60-day disabled list (DL) "after not exactly impressing in a poor spring";[11] the official reason for his placement on the DL was "right shoulder tendinitis".[12] Upon returning from injury, Gonzalez ascended through the Phillies' minor league system on a rehab assignment, compiling 54 strikeouts in 46+1⁄3 innings pitched. Used primarily out of the bullpen in his rehab stint, Gonzalez completed his minor league assignment with a 3.11 earned run average (ERA) and .231 opponent batting average. Deemed healthy and ready to begin his MLB career, Gonzalez was activated and assigned to the Phillies on September 2 as part of the roster expansion call-ups.[13] He recorded a 6.75 ERA in 5+1⁄3 innings pitched in the major leagues.[14]
A poor spring training in 2015 led to the Phillies outrighting González to the minor leagues and removing him from the 40-man roster.[15] He was released by the Phillies on April 1, 2016.[16]
Death
González was killed in a traffic accident in Havana, Cuba, on November 23, 2017.[17]