Miguel Gonzalez came up big at times for the Orioles (plus minor league promotions info)

When the Orioles ended a run of 14 straight losing seasons and returned to the playoffs in 2012, right-hander Miguel Gonzalez went 9-4 with a 3.25 ERA. He then pitched a gem against the Yankees in Game 3 of the American League Division Series, but the O's lost in extra innings. When the Orioles won 96 games and took the American League East in 2014, Gonzalez went 10-9 with a 3.23 ERA.

As his tenure with the team has apparently come to an end, we should not forget how good Gonzalez was for most of his time in Baltimore. He was a big part of a once losing franchise becoming the AL's winningest club since 2012.

From 2012-14, Gonzalez went 30-21 with an ERA of 3.45 and the Orioles went 40-29 (.580) in his starts. He had an ERA of 3.33 last June 10 when he went on the disabled list with a right groin strain. The O's haven't seen him pitch very well since then.

But for most of his time in Baltimore, he pitched well in the AL East. In 2014, he went 5-2 with a 2.78 ERA against division opponents. For his O's career, he was 22-12 with a 3.21 ERA in 52 games (49 starts) with 28 quality starts within the division. Not bad for a player the team originally signed as a minor league free agent on Feb. 28, 2012.

Gonzalez often seemed to be underrated, even when he was pitching very well. But he didn't throw in the mid-90s and some thought his stuff was underwhelming at times. He sure threw a good split-finger fastball with solid control when he was pitching well.

But yesterday's news that he was placed on release waivers seemed to say the Orioles had big doubts about Gonzalez turning it around. He didn't pitch well in the second half last year or this spring. Despite that, we should not forget the many times he did pitch well as an Oriole.

Promoting the promotions: Earlier in this space, we provided information on some of short season Single-A Aberdeen's promotions for the 2016 season. Now here is a look at some promotions for the other three O's affiliates in our state.

* The Single-A Frederick Keys have a few celebrity appearances planned for home games this year at Nymeo Field at Harry Grove Stadium:

On June 18, a Shooter McGavin appearance (by actor Chris McDonald) complete with a Shooter McGavin bobblehead giveaway; on Sept. 2, a "West Wing" Night with Josh Lyman (by actor Bradley Whitford); on July 8, a Troy Landry appearance from the History Channel show "Swamp People"; on May 14, former Redskins tight end Chris Cooley will be at the stadium as part of "Halfway to Kickoff Night."

The Keys will also hold an Iron Manny Machado Bobblehead Night on Saturday, May 21 with Machado in a special suit.

* The Double-A Bowie Baysox and Bark! Pawsitive Pet Food have partnered to introduce the 2016 Diamond Dog of the Game program. Throughout the season, area animal shelters and rescue organizations will be bringing dogs to Prince George's Stadium during home games to help them find suitable homes.

At each Baysox home game during the 2016 season (excluding the five 11:05 a.m. games), one dog available for adoption will be brought to Prince George's Stadium and showcased to fans. Each of the seven organizations the Baysox have partnered with will accept adoption applications for that game's special guest and their other dogs looking for a good home.

* The Single-A Delmarva Shorebirds announced that the team will once again feature daily value promotions in an effort to continue to provide affordable entertainment. These recurring promotions will continue to give Shorebirds fans discounts on tickets, food and drink, plus the ability to enjoy extra events at no additional cost to a game ticket.

They include Two Buck Mondays. At every Monday home game (excluding July 4), fans can receive general admission tickets, hot dogs and 12-ounce Pepsi products for $2 each.

Weekend home dates will also feature a number extra values for fans. After every Saturday game, the Shorebirds will have a fireworks show. Strike Out Hunger Sundays return, as fans can receive a ticket discount while helping local food banks. All kids will have the opportunity to run the bases after all Sunday home games.