Derek Shelton: Pirates place Erik Gonzalez on IL, with Wilmer Difo returning for depth

Pittsburgh Pirates infielder Erik Gonzalez has been placed on the 10-day injured list with a right oblique strain, and super utility player Wilmer Difo’s contract was selected from Triple-A Indianapolis.

To make room on the 40-man roster, the Pirates placed pitcher Trevor Cahill on the 60-day injured list.

Gonzalez left in the seventh inning of Thursday’s 7-2 loss to the Milwaukee Brewers with right side discomfort after legging out an infield single.

Difo batted .244/.287/.366 with three doubles, two triples, one home run and six RBIs in 44 games with the Pirates — including .296 (8 for 27) as a pinch hitter — before being designated for assignment June 8 when Phillip Evans and Mitch Keller came off the injured list. After clearing waivers, Difo was outrighted to Indianapolis, where he hit .244 (10 for 41) with two doubles and two RBIs in 12 games.

Difo can play any position on the field, which helps the Pirates after losing both Gonzalez and first baseman Colin Moran to the IL.

“Versatility is extremely important to us, then the fact of what he brings: He was here early in the year and played well, a ton of energy,” manager Derek Shelton said. “The fact that he’s extremely versatile is something that’s important to us right now.”

Shelton also said right fielder Gregory Polanco, who hasn’t played since Monday, is dealing with hip inflammation and won’t be in the lineup Friday against the Milwaukee Brewers. Shelton said Polanco could be available off the bench.