The Pirates made a fairly significant trade yesterday, acquiring utility infielder Erik Gonzalez along with minor league right-handed pitchers Tahnaj Thomas and Dante Mendoza from Cleveland yesterday for outfielder Jordan Luplow and infielder Max Moroff. Gonzalez batted .265 in 81 games for the Tribe last season. Thomas and Mendoza are each only 19 years old and played rookie league ball last season. Thomas is a converted shortstop who just began pitching.
Luplow had been considered a key for the Bucs’ early-season plan for right field, where Gregory Polanco’s injured shoulder will prevent him from being ready, possibly until mid-season.
