Marco Gonzales heads to injured list as Pirates suffer early blow to starting rotation

Only a few weeks into the 2024 campaign, the Pittsburgh Pirates must deal with an early blow to their starting rotation, as lefty Marco Gonzales was placed on the 15-day injured list because of a left forearm muscle strain, the club announced Sunday.

Last season, as a member of the Seattle Mariners, Gonzales saw his year come to an end after 10 starts because of a left forearm strain that required surgery.

Gonzales was acquired via trade from Atlanta in December, shortly after he had been shipped to the Braves from Seattle.

He is in the final season of a four-year, $30 million deal signed with the Mariners, with the Pirates paying him $7.5 million in 2024, per Spotrac.

Gonzales had impressed over his first three starts this season, compiling a 2.65 ERA in 17 innings.

The 32-year-old struck out 11, walked five and posted a WHIP of 1.18, delivering two quality starts.

He pitched six innings against the Phillies on Saturday, taking a no-decision in the Pirates’ 4-3 loss.

His injury creates a hole in the rotation that features Mitch Keller, Jared Jones, Martin Perez and Bailey Falter.

In a corresponding move Sunday, the Pirates recalled 28-year-old righty reliever Ryder Ryan from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Ryan had been optioned to the Indians on Tuesday. He made one appearance, pitching an inning and allowing a run on two hits.

In four games with the Pirates before being sent down, Ryan made four appearances, going 1-0 with a 6.75 ERA in 5 ⅓ innings, with six strikeouts and two walks.