Latest Pirates roster move sparks sudden hope for lifeless offense

Pittsburgh Pirates v Miami Marlins
Pittsburgh Pirates v Miami Marlins | Rich Storry/GettyImages

The Pittsburgh Pirates, fresh from their West Coast road trip, got some good news regarding one of their injured starters as they prepare to host the Houston Astros for a three-game series at PNC Park.

The Pirates announced Tuesday that they have ended the rehab assignment of second baseman Nick Gonzales and reinstated him from the 60-day Injured List. Pittsburgh also assigned the contract of utility man Nick Solak to Triple-A Indianapolis, making room for Gonzales on the 40-man and 26-man rosters.

The Pirates also recalled reliever Kyle Nicolas from Triple-A Indianapolis for extra reinforcement in the bullpen after veteran right-hander Tanner Rainey was designated for assignment on Monday.

Pirates reinstate Nick Gonzales from 60-day IL, providing spark on offense

Gonzales, who hasn't appeared in a Major League game since he hit a two-run homer in Pittsburgh's Opening Day loss to the Miami Marlins on March 27, has been sidelined with a non-displaced ankle fracture that he suffered during spring training.

Gonzales began a rehab assignment at Triple-A Indianapolis on May 16 and played in nine games, slashing .194/.211/.250 with seven hits in 36 at-bats while starting four games each at shortstop and second base. He also recently missed time during said rehab assignment with a sore hand after being hit by a pitch, but his activation off the injured list indicates that he is fully healthy and ready to join the club in Pittsburgh.

Gonzales is expected to provide a much-needed boost to the Pirates' lineup after a solid 2024 season that saw him slash .270/.311/.398 with 97 hits, 19 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 49 RBI with 18 walks to 74 strikeouts in 94 games.

Adam Frazier has been the Pirates' primary option at second second base in Gonzales' absence, getting 44 starts at the position over the last 59 games. Jared Triolo has also started 10 games at second base for Pittsburgh, Enmanuel Valdez started three, and Liover Peguero started two during his brief stint with the clubs.

Though he played both middle infield positions during his rehab assignment, Gonzales should settle in as the Pirates' primary second baseman upon his return, returning Frazier to a more traditional utility role with the club.

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