Pirates Transactions
Pirates Roster Moves: Nick Gonzales Placed on IL, Enmanuel Valdez Recalled
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed second baseman Nick Gonzales on the 10-day injured list with a non-displaced fracture of the left ankle.
Gonzales was removed from Thursday’s season opener against the Miami Marlins after hitting home run in the sixth inning. Gonzales hobbled around the bases and was replaced by Adam Frazier at second in the bottom of the inning due to recurring ankle discomfort.
It was the first-career Opening Day for Gonzales, who finished 1 for 3 with a two-run home run and a pair of strikeouts in the Pirates’ 5-4 loss to the Marlins.
Last season, Gonzales hit .270 with a .709 OPS, 19 doubles, three triples, seven home runs and 49 RBIs in 94 games.
To take his spot on the roster, the Pirates recalled infielder Enmanuel Valdez from Triple-A Indianapolis. Valdez was acquired by the Pirates from the Boston Red Sox in the offseason in exchange for minor-league pitcher Joe Vogatsky.
Valdez appeared in 76 games with Boston last season and slashed .214/.270/.363 with 12 doubles, six home runs and 28 RBIs. In 50 games with Triple-A Worcester, he owned a .776 OPS and belted 11 home runs to go along with 30 RBIs.
During spring training, Valdez slashed .227/.438/.409 in 32 plate appearances. He had nearly twice as many walks (nine) and strikeouts (five)
In addition to Valdez, the Pirates have Frazier, Jared Triolo and Ji Hwan Bae available to fill in for the injured Gonzales.
The Pirates face the Marlins again on Friday night at loanDepot Park. First pitch: 7:10 p.m. ET.
I hope he won’t be out for long. I saw it’s a fracture. He was one of Bucs better players.
It’s a shame..had high hopes for him this year..thank goodness they went out and signed wore out Adam Frazier..it gets harder every year to be a pirate fan..