Pirates' Nick Gonzales Sits Out Saturday Game

Rookie third baseman gets a rest after recent string of starts

Apr. 18, 2026 at 6:38pm

A cubist-style painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in navy, red, and yellow, conceptually representing the motion and energy of a baseball player.A fragmented, geometric depiction of a baseball player's movements captures the dynamic energy of the game.Gonzales Today

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie third baseman Nick Gonzales will not be in the starting lineup for Saturday's game against the Tampa Bay Rays. Gonzales has started the last four games, going 3-for-16 with three RBIs, but will be replaced in the lineup by teammate Nick Yorke, who will bat sixth and play third base.

Why it matters

Gonzales is an up-and-coming prospect for the Pirates, so his playing time and performance are closely watched by the team and fans. This one-game rest could be part of managing his workload as he adjusts to the major league level.

The details

Gonzales, a 23-year-old former first-round draft pick, has been getting regular playing time at third base for the Pirates lately. However, after going just 3-for-16 over his last four starts, the team has decided to give him a breather and start Nick Yorke at the hot corner for Saturday's game against the Rays.

  • Gonzales has started the last 4 games for the Pirates.
  • Gonzales went 3-for-16 with 3 RBIs during that recent 4-game stretch.

The players

Nick Gonzales

A 23-year-old rookie third baseman for the Pittsburgh Pirates, who was the team's first-round draft pick in 2020.

Nick Yorke

A Pirates infielder who will start at third base in place of Gonzales on Saturday.

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The takeaway

This one-game rest for Gonzales is likely a routine move by the Pirates to manage the workload of their young third base prospect as he adjusts to major league pitching. The team is still high on Gonzales' long-term potential despite the recent dip in his production.