PITTSBURGH -- Erik González was the Pirates’ everyday shortstop when he ran into center fielder Starling Marte on April 19 at PNC Park, an outfield collision that resulted in a fractured collarbone for Gonzalez, serious bruises for Marte and the eventual promotion of rookies Cole Tucker and Bryan Reynolds.

Set back during his Minor League rehab assignment, González didn’t return to the Majors until Aug. 2. By that point, Kevin Newman had taken over as the regular shortstop. González was downgraded to a reserve role and made only seven starts last month.

“That was really hard,” González said. “This spring, I got a position, then that happened. It was a battle for me. I can’t control that. Just try to work hard every day. When I got a chance to play, try to put all my talent on the field. I tried to do that and tried to keep my mind really strong.”

With the Pirates’ position player group banged up over the last few weeks, González has been given an opportunity to play -- and he seems to be making the most of it. He has made 13 starts at four different positions (shortstop, third base, left field and center field) and extended his hitting streak to a career-high 10 games in the Pirates’ 9-5 win over the Cubs on Thursday at PNC Park. During that streak, González has hit .361 and launched his first home run of the season.

“I just tried to hit a ball hard,” he said of his 107.4 mph blast to center, “and that happened.”

This stretch has been particularly meaningful for the 28-year-old because he’s playing in front of family members who flew in from the Dominican Republic to watch him. But González attributed his offensive improvement to his more regular playing time, something that was also hard to come by when he was blocked by Francisco Lindor, José Ramírez and others in Cleveland.

“Hitting’s about timing. If you play every day, you’re going to get your timing,” González said. “That’s why I’m feeling really good right now.”

Assuming he’s back next season, González probably won’t see his name in the lineup for many extended stretches like this. Newman will return, as will second baseman Adam Frazier and third baseman Colin Moran. Infielder Cole Tucker will have a role of some kind. González isn’t likely to steal an outfield spot from any of Pittsburgh’s starters, either.

But a talented, versatile defender like González could carve out a spot somewhere on the roster if he keeps hitting like he has down the stretch.

“He’s worked hard on his swing. He was working hard on his swing when he wasn’t getting the repeated opportunities,” manager Clint Hurdle said. “To get those three, four at-bats a night for a consistent period of time has really helped his confidence and just his demeanor in the box. He’s hunting pitches, and he’s getting his swing off.”

Around the horn

• Reynolds (right hamstring discomfort) was out of the lineup on Thursday after exiting Wednesday’s game in the first inning. After Thursday’s game, Hurdle said Reynolds was unavailable off the bench after going through tests pregame to determine his availability. It is unclear if the rookie will be able to play during Pittsburgh’s final series of the season.

“We’ll take it one day at a time,” Hurdle said, “and we’re running out of days.”

• With Reynolds out, joining a long list of Pirates players who have been shut down in the dugout, Adam Frazier moved up to bat second and Pablo Reyes stepped in to play center field. Veteran outfielder Melky Cabrera (right thumb) made his first start since Sept. 17.