Gonzalez will start at third base and bat seventh Sunday against the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

Picking up his seventh start in eight games, Gonzalez now looks to be a mainstay in the Pittsburgh lineup. Though he went hitless in Saturday's 11-5 loss, Gonzalez had gone 9-for-20 across the four games prior to that to aid his push for regular playing time. Gonzalez's case for playing on an everyday basis should only strengthen after hot-hitting utility man Phillip Evans fractured his jaw and suffered a concussion in Saturday's game, with the two injuries likely to sideline him for multiple weeks, if not the rest of the season.

Gonzalez went 4-for-5 with a double, a home run, a run scored and six RBI during Friday's 17-13 extra-innings loss to the Tigers.

EDGE Analysis

He took Matthew Boyd deep in the fourth inning for a two-run shot, his first homer of the year, but it was his bases-loaded double in the eighth that set up Adam Frazier for a huge ninth-inning blast that sent the game to extras, only for the Bucs bats to finally come up short. Gonzalez is on something of a roll -- he's put together a four-game hitting streak that's accounted for nine of his 10 hits, and all seven of his RBI, on the season, pushing his slash line to .357/.357/.571. Given his career .676 OPS, however, the 28-year-old isn't likely to keep it up much longer.

Gonzalez is out of the lineup for Thursday's game against the Twins.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez had started each of the past four games at either third base or shortstop, going a collective 5-for-14 with two doubles, a run and an RBI. Though Gonzalez doesn't have a clear path to an everyday role at any position, his versatility should continue to allow him to see at least semi-regular work for the Pirates.

Gonzalez went 3-for-4 with a double and a run in Tuesday's 7-3 loss to Minnesota.

EDGE Analysis

He lifted his batting average to a season-high .250, just off his career mark of .259. The 28-year-old has started four of the team's last six games. Gonzalez comes with a strong defensive reputation and any offense is simply a bonus.

Gonzalez (foot) played third base and went 0-for-3 with an RBI groundout in his spring debut Thursday, DK Pittsburgh Sports reports.

EDGE Analysis

Manager Derek Shelton said he started Gonzalez at third base to put less stress on his foot. "We know the guy's an elite defender and he can play any three of those (second, shortstop or third)," Shelton said. Gonzalez is expected to serve as a utility infielder for Pittsburgh in 2020.

Gonzalez (foot) is in the lineup for Thursday's spring game against the Rays, according to Adam Berry of MLB.com.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez reported to camp in good shape after undergoing foot surgery over the offseason, but the Pirates decided to bring him along slowly. He is now set to see action for the first time this spring, and he will man the hot corner and hit second Thursday.

Gonzalez (foot) is not expected to participate in Grapefruit League games for at least another week.

EDGE Analysis

He has yet to progress to the point where he can run the bases at full intensity. Medical spokesman Todd Tomczyk said that Gonzalez will attempt to ramp up his running over the weekend or early next week. Once he clears that hurdle, he'll be cleared for game activity.

Gonzalez (foot) reported to camp this week healthy and without any restrictions following offseason surgery, Adam Berry of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez required surgery in November after fracturing his left foot while taking part in the Dominican Winter League. Fortunately for the 28-year-old, the injury occurred early enough in the offseason for him to make a full recovery before spring training, so he'll face no limitations as he attempts to win a utility job with the Pirates. In his inaugural campaign with Pittsburgh in 2019, Gonzalez slashed .254/.301/.317 with one home run and four stolen bases across 156 plate appearances.

Gonzalez (foot) signed a one-year, $725,000 contract with the Pirates on Monday, Bob Nightengale of USA Today reports.

EDGE Analysis

Gonzalez underwent surgery in mid-November after suffering a fractured left foot while suiting up in the Dominican Winter League, but that hasn't prevented him from receiving a one-year deal to stay in Pittsburgh. The utility man played in 53 games a season ago and hit .254 with one home run, six RBI and four stolen bases.

Gonzalez suffered a fractured left foot while playing in the Dominican Winter League last weekend and underwent surgery Wednesday, Rob Biertempfel of The Athletic reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although the injury will limit Gonzalez's work to start the offseason, the team said that he should resume full baseball activities in 10-to-12 weeks. Barring any setbacks, the 28-year-old should be ready to go for spring training as he looks to build on a season in which he hit .254/.301/.317 with one home run over 53 games.