Gonzales went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts Thursday against the Astros.
Gonzalez has started two of three games since being activated from the 60-day injured list Tuesday. He hit sixth against a right-handed starter Tuesday but slotted into the cleanup spot with southpaw Framber Valdez on the mound Thursday. Despite the ugly effort, Gonzales should get a long look as the starting second baseman for the Pirates after fracturing his ankle Opening Day and missing more than two months.