Pirates Starter Marco Gonzales Out for Rest of Regular Season With Injury

Marco Gonzales’ 2024 regular season is over. The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed the left-handed starter on the 60-day injured list with a left forearm strain.

It’s the second time this season that Gonzales has landed on the injured list with a forearm injury. He missed about three months after he was placed on the IL on Apr. 14 with a left forearm muscle strain. Both injuries come after the 32-year-old underwent forearm surgery last season while with the Seattle Mariners.

On the season, Gonzales has made seven starts and is 1-1 with a 4.54 ERA with 23 strikeouts and 11 walks in 33.2 innings pitched. He was off to a strong start on the season prior to his first stint on the IL but has struggled of late. Combined between his last two starts, Gonzales allowed nine runs on 15 hits including four home runs. He’s struck out only four batters against five walks.

Assuming the Pirates decline Gonzales’ $15 million club option for 2025, he will become a free agent this winter.

To take his place in the rotation in the short-term, the Pirates have Jake Woodford starting against the San Diego Padres on Monday night. Additionally, rookie right-hander Jared Jones started a rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis.

With Gonzales landing on the 60-day IL, the Pirates the selected the contract of relief pitcher Ryder Ryan from Triple-A. Ryan had been designated for assignment at the end of July and was outrighted to Indianapolis a few days later.

The right-hander has shuffled between Pittsburgh and Indianapolis this year and this will be his sixth stint with the Pirates on the year. In 13 appearances out of the bullpen in the big leagues, Ryan is 1-0 with a 5.29 ERA and has struck out 16 batters in 17 innings. In 23 appearances at Triple-A, Ryan posted a 4.45 ERA.