Victor González, the Los Angeles Dodgers’ reliable left-handed reliever, made headlines not only for his pitching talent but for his remarkable physical transformation. After struggling during the 2021 season, Victor committed to a rigorous weight loss journey that revitalized his MLB career and restored his confidence on the mound. This personal evolution has again positioned him as a crucial piece in the Dodgers’ bullpen, and his story inspires athletes and non-athletes alike.
Key Takeaways:
- Weight Loss Progress: Victor dropped approximately 30-40 pounds in the offseason, which helped him regain his agility and stamina.
- Importance of Shedding Pounds: His weight loss played a pivotal role in improving his pitching performance, including enhanced mechanics and velocity.
- Role of Coaching Staff: The Dodgers coaching staff, led by manager Dave Roberts, played an essential role in supporting his transformation and welcoming him back to the team.
Table of Contents
- Victor González’s MLB Background
- What Prompted Victor González To Lose Weight
- Victor González’s The Weight Loss Journey
- Victor González’s Comeback to the Dodgers
- Praise from the Dodgers Organization
- Challenges During the Journey
- Conclusion
Victor González’s MLB Background
View this post on Instagram
Victor González’s rise in Major League Baseball (MLB) was anything but conventional. Hailing from Veracruz, Mexico, Victor faced numerous challenges as he ascended through the minor leagues.
His dedication and resilience paid off in the 2020 season when he became an essential reliever for the Dodgers, helping the team clinch their first World Series title since 1988.
However, after a stellar 2020 season, Victor’s career hit a snag in 2021. Battling injuries, particularly soreness in his left arm, and gaining weight, his performance began to decline.
As his physical fitness deteriorated, so did his ability to dominate on the mound. His once-reliable pitch control and stamina faltered, leaving fans and the Dodgers’ organization concerned about his future.
Victor himself reflected on his struggles during that period: “I realized after 2021 that I wasn’t in the best shape, and it was affecting me mentally and physically. I needed to make a change if I wanted to keep playing at the highest level.”
This growing awareness of his body weight’s toll on his career marked a critical turning point. He knew he needed to make significant changes, not just for the Dodgers but for his well-being.
What Prompted Victor González To Lose Weight
After a lackluster 2021 season, Victor faced a critical decision in the offseason: either continue his poor physical health or take control of his fitness.
His wake-up call came through conversations with Dodgers manager Dave Roberts and the coaching staff. Roberts was candid about Victor’s need to regain his physical conditioning if he wanted to be an impactful player again.
According to Roberts, the message was clear: “We had some honest conversations with Victor, and I told him that getting into shape would be key for him. Seeing him struggle like he did in 2021 was hard because we knew the talent was there.”
Determined to reclaim his spot in the Dodgers bullpen, Victor took the advice to heart. His motivation came from the team’s high expectations and desire to regain control of his career.
“I knew I couldn’t go another season like that,” Victor said. “I had to take responsibility for my condition and work hard to return stronger.”
Victor González’s The Weight Loss Journey
View this post on Instagram
During the 2022 offseason, Victor embarked on a disciplined weight loss journey, shedding approximately 30 to 40 pounds. His approach was multi-faceted, focusing on physical training and significant dietary adjustments.
This weight loss wasn’t just about looking leaner; it was about improving his agility, stamina, and overall performance on the field.
Rigorous strength training, agility drills, and cardiovascular exercises drove Victor’s weight loss. The Dodgers’ strength and conditioning team played a crucial role in designing a program tailored to Victor’s specific needs as a pitcher.
To build muscle while losing fat, Victor incorporated exercises targeting his core and lower body, two essential pitcher areas. Squats, lunges, and deadlifts became a staple in his routine, helping him rebuild the power needed for an explosive pitch delivery.
Quick movements and reactions are vital for a reliever. Victor worked on his footwork and mobility through ladder drills and plyometrics, which improved his balance and ability to field bunts and comebackers.
Shedding weight also required him to engage in consistent cardio sessions, including running and cycling. This contributed to his weight loss and improved his endurance on the mound.
Victor described his regimen as “intense but necessary.” He added: “I needed to work on my endurance. Being able to pitch deep into games and still be sharp required me to prioritize fitness.”
Victor’s transformation wasn’t solely based on exercise. He also revamped his diet. He cut down on processed foods, sugars, and carbohydrates and focused on lean proteins, vegetables, and healthy fats. He reported feeling lighter and more energized, reflected in his training sessions and overall mood.
While details of his diet remain private, Victor emphasizes the importance of balance: “I didn’t starve myself or go on some crazy fad diet. I ate healthy, filling meals that supported my training, and the weight came off naturally.”
Victor González’s Comeback to the Dodgers
Victor’s transformation wasn’t just physical—it was mental. His weight loss journey helped him regain his confidence, and that shift in mindset was evident during spring training in 2022. He showed up leaner, faster, and more focused, catching the attention of both coaches and teammates.
The weight loss translated into better mobility, making him quicker to the plate and more agile in fielding. His improved agility helped prevent runs and allowed him to cover ground more effectively, a critical skill for any reliever.
Victor’s increased stamina was one of the most significant benefits of losing the extra pounds. In the past, he struggled to maintain velocity and control as he pitched through innings. He can stay sharp throughout appearances, helping him maintain command over his fastball and slider.
With his new physique, Victor found that his mechanics improved significantly. The weight loss relieved his lower back and knee pressure, allowing for a smoother delivery. His arm felt lighter, so he increased his pitch velocity, a critical factor in regaining his dominance on the mound.
Reflecting on his transformation, Victor said, “I feel lighter, faster, and more confident. It’s amazing how much of a difference losing that weight has made.”
Praise from the Dodgers Organization
View this post on Instagram
The Dodgers noticed the impact of Victor’s transformation. Manager Dave Roberts praised his determination, noting that improved conditioning was crucial to his resurgence.
“Victor looks like a completely different player,” Roberts said. “He’s stronger, more agile, and mentally focused. He’s done everything we’ve asked, and it’s showing on the field.”
Teammates also noticed Victor’s hard work, commenting on how his new fitness level enhanced his pitching and the bullpen’s chemistry. Fellow relievers credited Victor’s weight loss for his renewed confidence and positive influence on the team.
Challenges During the Journey
While Victor’s weight-loss journey results were undeniably positive, the process was not challenging. He struggled to maintain consistency in his workouts and dietary changes in the early stages. The offseason was filled with moments of doubt, especially after a difficult 2021 season.
The mental aspect of his transformation was just as important as the physical. “It was tough,” Victor admitted.
“There were days when I didn’t feel like getting up and working out. I had to remind myself of the bigger picture—to get back to where I wanted to be.”
Another hurdle was overcoming injuries from the previous season. Victor needed to balance his weight loss efforts with carefully managing his left arm injury, ensuring his training didn’t exacerbate any lingering issues.
Despite these challenges, his commitment to change never wavered. His ability to push through adversity ultimately paid off, proving that perseverance and discipline can yield incredible results.
Related Weight-Loss Articles
How Did Nikola Jokic Lose Weight?
How Did Russell Westbrook Lose Weight?
Conclusion
Victor González’s impressive weight loss journey is a testament to the power of discipline, dedication, and the support of a strong team. His commitment to transforming his body and mindset revitalized his career with the Dodgers, allowing him to return as a critical reliever and inspiring others to take control of their fitness and well-being.
With a renewed sense of purpose and a lighter, more muscular physique, Victor is ready to continue making an impact in MLB, showing that true success requires more than just talent—it demands hard work and resilience.
