Pirates Lose Konnor Griffin to Injury
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PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates won't have one of their top young players for the near future with a recent injury.
Pirates general manager Ben Cherington said on The Pirates Insider Show that they are placing shortstop Konnor Griffin on the 10-day injured list, as they activate right fielder/first baseman Ryan O'Hearn off the 10-day injured list.
Griffin has dealt with a flexor mass strain in his right forearm, an injury that comes from overuse of the arm, something that can be common with a shortstop or primary defender. Griffin had gotten treatment for it, but it clearly got worse than just a regular ailment.
It's the first time for Griffin going on the injured list in his professional career and a tough moment for him in his young career.
Why the Pirates Placed Griffin on the Injured List
Cherington said that Griffin threw ahead of the series finale vs. the Minnesota Twins at PNC Park on May 31 and that Griffin has made progress, which is why Cherington believes that Griffin won't stay out injured for too long.
He said that they weren't confident that Griffin could play shortstop for their next series vs. the Houston Astros at Daikin Park, June 2-4, and with the designated hitter options they have, it's better he takes time off so that he gets healthy.
Those designated hitter options include the struggling Marcell Ozuna, but also O'Hearn, fellow outfielders in Bryan Reynolds and Oneil Cruz, as well as second baseman Brandon Lowe.
With those options, Griffin couldn't necessarily play every day and having him take time off gives him the best chance to return from injury quicker.
The Pirates had Griffin serve as designated hitter the past two games vs. the Twins at PNC Park, May 29-30, and he was also available as a pinch-runner vs. the Chicago Cubs in the series finale on May 28.
Griffin had success as the designated hitter for the Pirates these past two games, with four hits in nine at-bats, one double and one RBI in both victories, showing his value outside of his defensive work.
How Pirates Deal with Griffin's Absence
The Pirates will rely mostly on Jared Triolo as their shortstop, while Nick Gonzales will play third base and Lowe will feature at second base.
Pittsburgh also called up rookie Tyler Callihan as middle infielder depth and if Triolo can't play, Gonzales will take over at shortstop and Callihan will move over to third base.
Triolo hasn't had the greatest success at the plate this season, slashing .231/.268/.256 for an OPS of .524, with 18 hits in 78 at-bats, two doubles, four RBI and three walks to 20 strikeouts.
His best work comes defensively, as he won a Gold Glove Award as a utility option in 2024 and then was a finalist in 2025, performing well at all four infield spots.
The Pirates need better offensive production from Triolo, but O'Hearn returning also gives them a great bat back in the lineup, even with Griffin out injured.
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Dominic writes for Pittsburgh Pirates On SI, Pittsburgh Panthers Pn SI and also, Pittsburgh Steelers On SI. A Pittsburgh native, Dominic grew up watching Pittsburgh Sports and wrote for The Pitt News as an undergraduate at the University of Pittsburgh, covering Pitt Athletics. He would write for Pittsburgh Sports Now after college and has years of experience covering sports across Pittsburgh.