By JUSTIN GUERRIERO

THE TRIBUNE-REVIEW

(TNS) —Nick Gonzales hadn’t quite forgotten what it was like driving to PNC Park with the knowledge he’d be in the starting lineup, yet when he did Tuesday for the first time in over two months, it evoked strong emotions.

Gonzales’ 2025 season was derailed almost as soon as it started, as he suffered a left ankle fracture March 27 during the Pirates’ opener, resulting in an elongated stint on the injured list.

But following a completed rehab assignment with Triple-A Indianapolis, Gonzales was recalled Tuesday and suited up that same night against the Houston Astros.

‘It felt different (Tuesday) coming to the ballpark knowing that I’m actually playing versus how it was the past few weeks where there’s no opportunity for me to go in the game,’ Gonzales said. ‘I couldn’t even really walk around, so I’m excited to be out in the dugout just laughing with the guys and helping the team win.’

Gonzales was indeed immobilized as a result of his injury.

When he was on the mend, he required a scooter to get around for a time before transferring to a leg boot.

Now, the 26-year-old rejoins the club for which he was expected to play a key role heading into the year.

What Gonzales’ presence on the field and in the batting order can do for the Pirates, who are 23-39 following Wednesday’s 3-0 win over the Astros, remains to be seen.

But the Pirates are undoubtedly pleased to return his services following a promising 2024 campaign in which he slashed .270/.311/.398 with seven homers and 49 RBIs in 94 games.

‘It’s great and everything Nick means to us — having his bat back in the lineup (being a) spark plug for us, and not to take anything away from what Adam Frazier did for us, as well, over this course, while Nick was hurt,’ manager Don Kelly said. ‘He was awesome. Great at-bats, was consistent, played tremendous defense — just a real asset to have.’

Kelly sitting in the manager’s chair isn’t exactly new for Gonzales, who remained with the Pirates for about a week following the firing of Derek Shelton May 8 before beginning his rehab assignment at Triple-A.

For Gonzales, Kelly constitutes a familiar face.

‘I’ve been with (Kelly) now for however many years under him as bench coach,’ Gonzales said. ‘I’m excited for it. Excited for the opportunity. Such a good dude. I’m excited.’

While Gonzales’ ankle ailment is now squarely in the rearview mirror, he’s still nursing some lingering effects after being hit in the hand by a pitch with the Indians on May 23.

The incident came just one game into his rehab assignment.

Luckily for Gonzales, he suffered no significant injury aside from some pain and swelling, but the Pirates took several days in May to ensure he was evaluated and could properly grip a bat.

In the moment, Gonzales was faced with the prospect of having suffered a setback so soon after getting on course to return from his ankle fracture.

‘Just (tried) to stay positive as best I could,’ Gonzales said. ‘As a player, when you’ve been hit enough, you know when something’s wrong or something’s just hurt. I think I was kind of in that position where nothing was broken but it was really swollen. It was kind of just battling through that.’

Gonzales went just 1 for 18 (0.56) over his first five games with the Indians, but found his swing at the end of May, going 7 for 18 (.388) in the final four games of the month.

Overall, he wrapped his rehab assignment having hit .194 with a triple and RBI in nine games.

Tuesday against the Astros, Gonzales started at second base and batted sixth.

Offense was hard to come by for the Pirates, who suffered their MLBleading 10th shutout of the season, wasting an eight-inning outing by Paul Skenes.

For his part, Gonzales went 1 for 3 with an infield single in the defeat.

Moving forward, Kelly has stated that Gonzales will see action at both second base and shortstop, backing up Isiah Kiner-Falefa at the latter position.

In the second of three games against Houston on Wednesday, Frazier was back at second base.

Regardless of how Kelly fills out the lineup moving forward, Gonzales is relishing being back at it.

‘Happy to be back, happy to be back with the team and just find a way to help them as best I can,’ Gonzales said.

‘It’s tough being on the sideline to help out, so it’s good to be here.’