Nick Gonzales Close to Starting Rehab Assignment: ‘I’m Feeling Great’

PITTSBURGH — The last time Nick Gonzales suited up for the Pittsburgh Pirates, he hobbled around the bases after hitting a home run on Opening Day in Miami.

The following day, Gonzales was placed on the 10-day injured list with a non-displaced left ankle fracture.

The injury stemmed from a spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays in the middle of March when Gonzales fouled a ball off his ankle during an at-bat. Though he made the team’s Opening Day roster, the carry-over effects arose in the first game of the season.

“Obviously, the entire offseason and spring training you’re looking forward to playing games,” Gonzales told Pittsburgh Baseball Now on Sunday. “Then something uncontrollable like fouling a ball off and breaking a bone in your ankle, it’s frustrating.”

Gonzales relied on a scooter to get around before progressing to walking around in a boot. But Gonzales has since ditched the boot and is back to doing most baseball activities again.

“I’m feeling great,” he said. “Pretty much doing everything. I’m taking ground balls (on Monday). Was running on the treadmill (on Saturday). Feel like I’m in a good spot. The swing feels great. Feels like I didn’t miss anything. It was right where I left off.”

Before Gonzales returns to the big-league club, he will need to complete a rehab assignment, and a return to the field is on the horizon.

Gonzales said that he should be going to Indianapolis “in a week or so” as he works his way back Assuming he doesn’t have any setbacks, his return to the Pirates could come in the not-so-distant future.

The Pirates could certainly use a reinforcement.

The team’s offense ranks near the bottom in most major categories. They are 27th in batting average (.223), 23rd in on-base percentage (.306), 29th in slugging (.335), 28th in OPS (.641), tied for 28th in home runs (25) and 28th in runs scored (114).

Gonzales is eager to rejoin the lineup and do what he can to provide a spark.

“Regardless of how the team is doing, I’m gonna be a little frustrated just because I can’t be in there,” he said. “The best thing for me to help the team as best I can is just to be healthy. Can’t really do anything in my position right now. Just trying to get healthy so I can help out.”

Gonzales isn’t the only Pirate on the mend, either.

First baseman Spencer Horwitz, who was acquired from the Cleveland Guardians in the offseason, started a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona and has since played in five games.

Horwitz has been sidelined all season after undergoing right thumb/wrist surgery. Last year with the Toronto Blue Jays, Horwitz slashed .265/.357/.433 with 19 doubles, 12 home runs and 40 RBIs in 97 games.

Though the two have yet to share a field together as teammates, Gonzales is familiar with Horwitz’s game. He believes their returns could make a big difference.

“I think we can provide a lot. I’ve played against Spencer my whole minor-league career, so I know what he can bring. He’s a great player, so I’m excited to watch him and play with him on the same team.”

As the Pirates continue to search for answers offensively, perhaps Gonzales — and Horwitz — can help provide some.