NL Central: Questions about 2B and CF reemerge in PIT

Pittsburgh Pirates

The baseball season is long, which allows some storylines to repeat. That appears to be the case in Pittsburgh, where the team has several options to sort through at second base while also having a significant gap to fill in center field. Though it may not be obvious, those two positions are related. 

Nick Gonzales (2B/SS, PIT) reinvigorated both his career and the Pirates’ lineup with his play earlier in the season (77 ct%, 100 xPX, 101 HctX, 68 BPX) to claim the starting role at second base, seemingly in both the short and long term. He suffered what appeared to be a serious groin injury in late July but has progressed more quickly than anticipated and is set to begin rehab games within the next week. 

Meanwhile,...

Almost!

You’re just a few clicks away from accessing this feature and hundreds more throughout the year that have a singular goal in mind: Winning your league. Subscribe to BaseballHQ.com here!

Already a subscriber? Sign in here

More From PT Tomorrow

Ben Joyce has been locked in as the Angels closer of late, but who's next if some control issues linger for Joyce?
Sep 2 2026 3:07am
Trevor Story is expected to be Boston's primary shortstop upon his return from the IL, but could his opportunity be short-lived if his season-long struggles continue? Plus, a potential SB source in TB, SP in BAL/BOS, and a post-hype prospect making waves for NYY.
Sep 1 2026 3:05am
This week, we check in on young infielders with upside in S.F. and Arizona, are reintroduced to an old NL West friend in L.A.
Aug 29 2026 3:05am
Luke Adams, Cooper Hjerpe, Owen Ayers, and BJ Murray may be among the guys called up to make their MLB debut in the NL Central
Aug 28 2026 3:05am
Angel Genao has been getting plenty of playing time in Cleveland, often at the expense of Brayan Rocchio. Plus, the possible return of Drew Thorpe for CHW, the bullpen outlook in DET, Sal Perez's 2H rebound, and Joe Ryan's recovery in MIN.
Aug 27 2026 3:06am

Tools