The Pirates won’t have shortstop Konnor Griffin back for the long-term and Gonzalez can take advantage of this opportunity he has.<\/p>\n
Why Pirates Need Gonzalez at Shortstop<\/p>\n
Griffin was the Pirates everyday shortstop since making his debut on April 3, but injuries have hurt him since the end of May.<\/p>\n
He dealt with a right forearm flexor strain, that saw him miss 22 games from May 31 to June 25, came back<\/a> for a three-game home series vs. the Cincinnati Reds, June 26-28, then a seven-game road series vs. the Philadelphia Phillies, June 29-July 2, and the Washington Nationals, July 3-5.<\/p>\n Jul 4, 2026; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6) fields a ground ball against the Washington Nationals during the fifth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Rafael Suanes-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Griffin suffered another injury<\/a> in his last game vs. the Nationals, a left ring finger sagittal band injury, which is rare, but has shut him down for about two months.<\/p>\n The Pirates transferred Griffin from the 15-day injured list to the 60-day injured list, so the earliest he can come back, even with his injury return timeline <\/a>of eight-to-10 weeks, is early-to-mid September.<\/p>\n Gonzalez comes in as middle infield help, particularly at shortstop, playing 209 games at the position in the minor leagues. <\/p>\n Pirates general manager Ben Cherington noted in his press release post-trade that they will have Gonzalez play at shortstop and this marks his first game doing so for the Pirates. <\/p>\n What Pirates Fans Should Expect From Gonzalez<\/p>\n Gonzalez played 31 games for the White Sox in 2026, but 30 of those came at first base, with 24 starts, so this is his first start at shortstop in his major league career.<\/p>\n He is a left-handed bat that projects good power<\/a> and has a strong pull air %, which bodes well for hitting home runs at PNC Park.<\/p>\n Jun 27, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago White Sox first baseman Jacob Gonzalez (7) hits a walk-off single against the Kansas City Royals during the ninth inning at Rate Field. Mandatory Credit: Patrick Gorski-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n The Pirates also don’t really have any left-handed bats on the left side of the infield with both third baseman Nick Gonzales and Jared Triolo hitting right-handed. Tyler Callihan does hit left-handed, but will feature more in the outfield and on the right side of the infield at second base and first base.<\/p>\n Gonzalez also hit well this season for Triple-A Charlotte, slashing .320\/.422\/.675 for an OPS of 1.097 in 53 games, with 19 home runs, 12 doubles and 63 RBI.<\/p>\n The Pirates will want to see some power from Gonzalez and strong fielding at shortstop, keeping the offense strong even with the absence of Griffin.<\/p>\n Pirates Lineup vs. Guardians<\/p>\n Player<\/p>\n Position<\/p>\n Batting Side<\/p>\n Jake Mangum<\/p>\n Center Field<\/p>\n Switch<\/p>\n Brandon Lowe<\/p>\n Second Base<\/p>\n Left<\/p>\n Bryan Reynolds<\/p>\n Left Field<\/p>\n Switch<\/p>\n Esmerlyn Valdez<\/p>\n Right Field<\/p>\n Right<\/p>\n Ryan O’Hearn<\/p>\n First Base<\/p>\n Left<\/p>\n Nick Gonzales<\/p>\n Third Base<\/p>\n Right<\/p>\n Marcell Ozuna<\/p>\n Designated Hitter<\/p>\n Right<\/p>\n Jacob Gonzalez<\/p>\n Shortstop<\/p>\n Left<\/p>\n Henry Davis<\/p>\n Catcher<\/p>\n Right<\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxrsqpd0d3pvy2cygc.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
<\/p>\n![\"Chicago](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/07\/01kxrtdd325s1v34venf.jpg\" "\\"Chicago")
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