Pittsburgh Pirates left-handed starting pitcher Marco Gonzales is back on the injured list with a left forearm injury. Manager Derek Shelton announced Monday night’s game in San Diego. That would have been Gonzales’ scheduled start. Jake Woodford started instead. Relief pitcher Ryder Ryan was called up to take Gonzales’ place on the active roster.
Pirates place Marco Gonzales on injured list; Ryder Ryan returns to team in San Diego https://t.co/z7Rqib8rMf
— Pittsburgh Post-Gazette (@PittsburghPG) 13 August 2024
Experienced Pirates pitcher Gonzales is back on the injured list
It’s a tough and frustrating setback for Gonzales and the reeling Pirates, who had lost seven straight games and nine of 10 before Monday’s game. The Atlanta Braves acquired Gonzales from the Seattle Mariners in a multi-player trade last December. The Braves dealt him to the Pirates two days later. With the Braves and Mariners paying all but $3 million of Gonzales’ $12.25 million salary, the deal was a no-brainer for the Pirates. Gonzales was expected to stabilize the starting lineup with his veteran presence.
Instead, Gonzales was limited to seven games for the Pirates because the forearm issue that landed him on the injured list earlier this season and sidelined him after 10 games in 2023 resurfaced. After just three starts in 2024, it resurfaced. As a result, he was unable to pitch for the Pirates from April 14 to July 11. Since this issue has been a long time on the injured list the last two times, it’s entirely possible he won’t pitch in 2024.
Gonzales is 1-1 this season with a 4.54 ERA and a 1.604 WHIP. He has pitched better than his stats suggest. After his fifth start, his ERA was 2.70. His last two starts against two strong hitting teams, the Arizona Diamondbacks and the Padres, have not gone well. However, with an interesting five-pitch mix and the ability to pitch from east to west, he is the pitcher who usually does well late in the season. Well, we’ll never know.
It’s a financial blow for Gonzales, too. If there was a slight chance the cost-conscious Pirates would pick up his $15 million option for 2025, it’s certainly gone now.
The Fallout
Time will tell if Woodford stays in the rotation or was just used as an emergency starter on Monday. Domingo Germán’s contract was selected by the Pirates on Friday. After much speculation, the Pirates decided he would be used to bolster a much-maligned relief corps. Germán made a good impression in his only appearance and could be considered for a starting spot. They could also turn to Triple-A Indianapolis, where No. 4 prospect Braxton Ashcraft has a 0.49 ERA and 0.982 WHIP after four games. But that would run counter to Pittsburgh’s usual cautious approach to developing young players.
Whoever the real estate expert was who coined the phrase “rent, don’t buy” must have had Ryan in mind. Although Ryan made the team in spring training, he has shuttled between Indy and Pittsburgh as needed to fill holes on the big club. If the Bucs decide to turn to the minors for a starter, Ryan’s stay could once again be brief. In 13 appearances, the rookie right-hander has a 5.29 ERA and a 1.412 WHIP. The Pirates like him because his sinking fastball reminded them of Colin Holderman. But given Holderman’s recent struggles, that may not be the best recommendation.
Main photo credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
