Nick Gonzales took batting practice with the team for the first time today at Busch Stadium, as he continues to work his way back from a left ankle fracture that has kept him on the injured list since the Pirates' season opener in Miami.
He told me today that he's been swinging for a little over a week, ran yesterday in cleats while taking ground balls on the playing surface and that he expects to head to Class AAA Indianapolis on Sunday to begin his rehab assignment.
Gonzales said he could be there for a week at most. The length might depend on how well he progresses, but Gonzales said he feels good physically and that his swing feels good.
"Just ready to help the team as much as I can," Gonzales said. "Just want to do what I can and do my part."
Gonzales played in 94 games for the Pirates last season and really took hold of the starting job over at second base, slashing .270/.311/.398 with a .709 OPS, seven home runs and 49 RBIs. This year, he was named the opening day starter over at second base and homered in his third at-bat against Miami's Lake Bachar on March 27. Gonzales exited the game after slowly limping his way around the bases following the homer.
• Ke'Bryan Hayes recorded his 500th career hit with his RBI double in the sixth inning of the Pirates' 2-1 loss to the Cardinals tonight. It was his first double since April 26. He's now tied with Bryan Reynolds for the team lead in hits with 33.
• Oneil Cruz is now tied with Luis Robert of the White Sox for the major-league lead in stolen bases after getting his 15th in the sixth inning. Cruz led off with a walk, stole second and later scored on the Hayes double.
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THE ASYLUM
José Negron
11:06 pm - 05.06.2025St. LouisExtra Bases: Gonzales nearing rehab assignment
Nick Gonzales took batting practice with the team for the first time today at Busch Stadium, as he continues to work his way back from a left ankle fracture that has kept him on the injured list since the Pirates' season opener in Miami.
He told me today that he's been swinging for a little over a week, ran yesterday in cleats while taking ground balls on the playing surface and that he expects to head to Class AAA Indianapolis on Sunday to begin his rehab assignment.
Gonzales said he could be there for a week at most. The length might depend on how well he progresses, but Gonzales said he feels good physically and that his swing feels good.
"Just ready to help the team as much as I can," Gonzales said. "Just want to do what I can and do my part."
Gonzales played in 94 games for the Pirates last season and really took hold of the starting job over at second base, slashing .270/.311/.398 with a .709 OPS, seven home runs and 49 RBIs. This year, he was named the opening day starter over at second base and homered in his third at-bat against Miami's Lake Bachar on March 27. Gonzales exited the game after slowly limping his way around the bases following the homer.
• Ke'Bryan Hayes recorded his 500th career hit with his RBI double in the sixth inning of the Pirates' 2-1 loss to the Cardinals tonight. It was his first double since April 26. He's now tied with Bryan Reynolds for the team lead in hits with 33.
• Oneil Cruz is now tied with Luis Robert of the White Sox for the major-league lead in stolen bases after getting his 15th in the sixth inning. Cruz led off with a walk, stole second and later scored on the Hayes double.
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