Gonzales motivated to help Pirates win after hot start in Indianapolis

"I'm gonna do everything in my power to do everything I can to help the team win," Gonzales said. "These guys, I've learned so much from every single one of these guys in here in spring training and playing with them last year. I know what they bring and what everyone can do, and they're all gonna help me out as much as they can."

Gonzales, the seventh overall pick in the 2020 draft, appeared in 35 games at the major-league level last season. He slashed .209/.268/.348 with two homers, 13 RBIs and 12 runs scored, while struggling with a 28.1% strikeout rate in 115 at-bats. 

"It was huge for me to experience it and get a taste," Gonzales said. "See what I need to do, see what I need to work on. Just ready to go." 

In 30 games in Indianapolis, Gonzales ranked among the International League leaders in various offensive categories. He ranked second in batting average (.358) and was first in hits (43), doubles (14) and runs scored (33). He carried a .431 on-base percentage and a .608 slugging percentage for a 1.039 OPS, while adding four home runs and 19 RBIs. 

"He's been swinging the bat really well and talk about pushing your way to the big leagues. He's pushed his way to the big leagues with what he's done in Indianapolis," Derek Shelton said. "Hopefully it provides us a little bit of a spark offensively."

But, in the midst of the Pirates' consistent offensive struggles, Shelton said the pressure isn't all on Gonzales to do anything different than have quality at-bats. 

"Offensively this is a collective thing we need to continue to kind of build on," Shelton added. "So it's specifically not on him. But going back to it, he's performed to be in the big leagues."

While fans have been clamoring for him to get another big-league opportunity, Gonzales has stayed focused on what he can control. Because of that, the on-field success and hard work he put in off the field finally paid off in the form of a promotion to Pittsburgh.

"Obviously, at the end of the day I just wanna play baseball and I'll do it anywhere," Gonzales said. "I'm just excited to be here and excited for the opportunity."