It was clear one thing was incorrect with Nick Gonzales as he rounded first base after homering for the Pirates in what grew to become one of many weirdest accidents of the early season
Pittsburgh’s second baseman suffered a nondisplaced left ankle fracture simply earlier than coming into his dwelling run trot after smashing a two-run blast to proper within the sixth inning of Thursday’s 4-3 Opening Day win over the Marlins at loanDepot Park.
Gonzales, who you possibly can see pull up with somewhat skip earlier than reaching first base, proceeded to limp across the bases and was lifted from the sport for Adam Frazier.
He was positioned on the 10-day injured listing Friday and goes again to Pittsburgh to see a foot specialist. There is no such thing as a timetable but for his return.
“Simply watching him run across the bases, simply didn’t like what we noticed,” Pirates supervisor Derek Shelton informed reporters after the sport.
The 25-year-old Gonzales did foul a number of pitches off his ankle throughout a March 19 spring coaching sport. However he confirmed no ailing results till the Pirates observed him wanting a bit off whereas snagging a pop-up within the fifth inning of Thursday’s sport.
It’s the second damage the Pirates have suffered within the infield as first baseman Spencer Horwitz needed to have wrist surgical procedure.
Gonzales was anticipated to be a part of an rising Pirates younger core together with Oniel Cruz and Paul Skenes, and a constant run producer as he tried to construct off a strong 2024 season.
The No. 7 total decide in 2020 hit .270/.311/.398 with seven homers and 49 RBIs in 94 video games a 12 months in the past.
The Pirates known as up 26-year-old Emmanuel Valdez to interchange Gonzales on the roster.
“Versatility, left-handed capacity to hit,” Shelton mentioned of Valdez. “We knew he might hit once we acquired him. Valdy has proven the flexibility to hit. The truth that he can play all around the diamond is one thing that we kinda worth.”
