Pirates to Recall Nick Gonzales

Amidst a hot start to the season, the Pittsburgh Pirates are recalling infielder Nick Gonzales from Triple-A Indianapolis, a source told Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

The move is a logical one for the Pirates, who have been scuffling at the plate for the better part of the season.

Gonzales has been on fire with Indianapolis through his first 30 games of the season. The 24-year-old is putting up numbers similar to what he showed during his college career at New Mexico State. In Triple-A this season, Gonzales is hitting .358 with a .431 on-base percentage and a .608 slug. He’s already whacked 14 doubles and has two triples with a pair of home runs and 19 RBIs.

Gonzales is second in the International League in batting average, trailing only teammate Jake Lamb (.388). He leads all players with 14 doubles and is in the top 10 in slugging percentage.

While the performance so far this season has been eye-opening, his reduced strikeout rate is the most encouraging statistic above all else. Strikeouts had plagued Gonzales throughout his career, but he’s struck out 24 times in 137 plate appearances this season (17.5%).

This will be Gonzales’ second season in the big leagues. The Pirates’ 2020 first-round pick made his major-league debut last season. In 35 games between two stints, Gonzales slashed .209/.268/.348 with eight doubles, a triple, two home runs and 13 RBIs.

While Jared Triolo has provided superb defense at second base, Gonzales should help impact the lineup. Pirates’ second baseman this season have combined for a .595 OPS with Triolo just above the Mendoza line with a .208 batting average and a .544 OPS.

In addition to second base, Gonzales has experience at shortstop and third base and can serve as a designated hitter if needed.

In need of a spark, the choice to promote the hot-hitting is a logical one. The Pirates need any help they can get right now.

Gonzales is the second notable player from Indianapolis headed to Pittsburgh. The Pirates are promoting top prospect Paul Skenes to make his debut on Saturday.