Former Pirates All-Star Returns to Lineup

Adam Frazier set for first Pittsburgh Pirates start since 2021, replacing Injured Gonzales.
Ethan Merrill|
Mar 16, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second base Adam Frazier (26) smiles during the third inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
Mar 16, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates second base Adam Frazier (26) smiles during the third inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images

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Pittsburgh Pirates

Adam Frazier will make his first start for the Pittsburgh Pirates in nearly four years tonight, slotting in at second base for the injured Nick Gonzales as the club faces off against the Miami Marlins in the second game of this season's opening series.

The 32-year-old veteran, reacquired by Pittsburgh last month, last started for the Pirates on July 25, 2021, before being traded to San Diego. He takes over for Gonzales, who landed on the 10-day injured list today with a left ankle fracture that occurred on Opening Day. Fellow infielder Emmanuel Valdez was recalled to take the active roster spot.

Frazier will bat eighth in a reconfigured Pirates lineup featuring:

  • LF Tommy Pham
  • RF Bryan Reynolds
  • CF Oneil Cruz
  • C Joey Bart
  • DH Andrew McCutchen
  • 3B Ke'Bryan Hayes
  • 1B Endy Rodríguez
  • 2B Adam Frazier
  • SS Isiah Kiner-Falefa

Right-hander Mitch Keller (11-12, 4.25 ERA in 2024) gets the starting nod for Pittsburgh, facing Connor Gillispie in the 7:10 p.m. ET matchup. It will be Gillispie's first career Major League start.

Frazier's return provides experienced infield depth while Gonzales recovers. The 2017 NL hits leader previously spent five seasons with Pittsburgh, earning an All-Star selection in 2021 before being dealt at that year's trade deadline.

The Pirates (0-1) enter tonight's contest looking to even the series after losing yesterday to the Marlins on a ninth inning walk-off hit by Kyle Stowers.

Frazier is expected to see increased playing time during Gonzales' absence, with utilityman Jared Triolo also available at second base.

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Ethan Merrill
ETHAN MERRILL

Ethan Merrill is from Grand Rapids, MI, and brings with him a diverse background of experiences. After graduating from Michigan State University with a degree in journalism, he worked with the Arizona Diamondbacks for three seasons before settling in the Pittsburgh area in 2020. With a passion for sports and a growing connection to his community, Ethan brings a fresh perspective to covering the Pittsburgh Pirates.

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