Erik Gonzalez 2B

The Indians traded Gonzalez, Tahnaj Thomas and Dante Mendoza to Pittsburgh on Wednesday for Jordan Luplow and Max Moroff.

Pittsburgh general manager Neal Huntington released a statement regarding Gonzalez as a "quality option to play shortstop or in the middle of our infield this year and into the future," in the minutes following Wednesday's five-player deal. Gonzalez typically served as a second or third baseman for Cleveland over the past couple years -- especially since the team had little need for him at shortstop due to Francisco Lindor's presence -- though he rarely received everyday playing time barring a disabled list stint from one of the Indians' regulars. Across 81 games this past year, he hit .265/.301/.375 with one home run, 16 RBI and three stolen bases in 136 at-bats.

Gonzalez will be left off Cleveland's ALDS roster against the Astros, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

Gonzalez cleared concussion protocol earlier this week but manager Terry Francona elected to give the final roster spot to Rajai Davis instead. Dating back to the beginning of August, Gonzalez has slashed just .150/.190/.175 with one RBI in 40 at-bats, so it shouldn't come as much of a surprise that he was left off the 25-man roster for this series.

Gonzalez cleared concussion protocol Tuesday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez missed the Indians' final four games after getting hit in the head by a pitch Wednesday. The utility infielder has spent the entirety of the season on Cleveland's big-league roster, so he seems like a good bet to make the ALDS roster if healthy.

Gonzalez (head) was cleared for activities in the weight room Saturday, Jordan Bastian of MLB.com reports.

Gonzalez was hit in the head by a pitch in Wednesday's game against the White Sox and won't return for Sunday's regular-season finale. The 27-year-old is hopeful to be cleared for the team's intrasquad game Tuesday, but the likelihood he's chosen for a roster spot for the ALDS remains slim regardless.

Gonzalez stayed with the team after getting hit in the head by a pitch during Wednesday's contest, Paul Hoynes of Cleveland.com reports.

The Indians have yet to release any information regarding Gonzalez's status, but it's obviously a good sign that he was able to travel and fly with the club to Kansas City following Wednesday's incident in Chicago. Per Hoynes, Gonzalez is still in concussion protocol and will be monitored on a daily basis. Even if he avoids any serious damage, don't expect him back in the starting lineup for the next few days.