Why Pirates’ Nick Gonzales was pulled from Cubs game early

Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Nick Gonzales exited Thursday’s 7-2 loss to the Chicago Cubs because of left knee discomfort. The 27-year-old was removed before the top of the fourth inning at PNC Park, with Tyler Callihan entering the game in his place for his major league debut.

The issue traced back to Wednesday’s 10-4 loss to Chicago, when Gonzales fouled a ball off his left knee. During Thursday’s game, he appeared uncomfortable after hitting a deep fly ball in the second inning and was seen limping while jogging toward first base. Pittsburgh later announced the move was precautionary and confirmed Gonzales is considered day-to-day while receiving treatment from the club’s medical staff.

The injury concern arrives at a difficult time for the Pirates, who are already monitoring shortstop Konnor Griffin because of right forearm tightness. Gonzales has been one of Pittsburgh’s most productive hitters throughout the 2026 season. Entering Thursday, the right-handed batter owned a .296 batting average with a .350 on-base percentage and .344 slugging percentage, producing a .694 OPS across 186 at-bats. He also recorded 55 hits, nine doubles, 22 RBI, 13 walks and 36 strikeouts.

Among qualified hitters, Gonzales ranked inside the top 20 in Major League Baseball in batting average and was among the top National League hitters in that category. Though he has cooled off at the plate recently, he still paced the Pirates in batting average. Gonzales’ offensive consistency has helped secure his role at third base after transitioning to the position this season. He started 35 of Pittsburgh’s first 40 games at third, including 28 starts over the previous 34 contests.

Callihan, recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis earlier in the day, replaced Gonzales defensively. He had made 80 starts at third base in 81 minor league appearances, including 19 starts at Indianapolis this season. Jared Triolo is another in-house option at third base, where he has compiled 14 defensive runs saved and 11 outs above average during his career.

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