Michael

Gonzalez

Gonzalez is a relief prospect who missed the first 2 1/2 months of the season. He takes the roster spot of John Wasdin who was traded to Toronto.

He’ll throw a simulated game on Sunday, play catch on Monday and then start the assignment Tuesday, barring any setbacks.

He’ll throw another bullpen session today, take tomorrow off, then pitch a simulated game on Saturday. He should start his rehab assignment by Sunday. ''Monday at the latest,’' Gonzalez said.

His next outing will be two innings tomorrow and after two days off, he will pitch Tuesday and Wednesday. He is hoping to join the Pirates next Friday in Philadelphia.

He didn’t play last night.

He had no problems, so he remains scheduled to begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday.

Gonzalez pitched 2 1/3 scoreless innings at Triple-A, striking out four.

Gonzalez should resume setting up Jose Mesa almost immediately. Even though there’s no longer much chance of him getting saves, he still has some value in NL-only leagues.

He said neither he nor the team is considering offseason surgery, but he will follow a prescribed training regimen aimed at further strengthening the knee. He’ll pitch mostly in the seventh and eighth innings the rest of the way, with the possibility of a save opportunity or two along the way.

He’s now a perfect 22-for-22 in save chances this year and has trimmed his ERA to 2.25. Although he still walks way more batters than we’d like to see, Gonzalez has had a very successful first season as the Pirates’ closer.