Pirates Injury Updates: Konnor Griffin Dealing With Low-Grade Strain; Positive News on O’Hearn
PITTSBURGH — Shortstop Konnor Griffin is dealing with a low-grade muscle strain to one of the flexors in his forearm, according to Pittsburgh Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk. Griffin informed the team a few days ago after a game that his elbow ‘just wasn’t recovering,’ per Tomczyk, which prompted action from team physicians and medical experts.
Griffin, who did not play for the Pirates on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs, is cleared to DH but hasn’t been cleared to throw. The team will reassess his throwing status in the coming days. Griffin underwent imaging and there is no concern about the UCL, but the Pirates will reassess again next week.
The improved Pirates are betting favorites Friday over Minnesota (-134), despite the less than favorable player news.
Griffin, 19, has played 49 games for the Pirates since getting called up for his MLB debut on April 3. Griffin carries a .261/.322/.394 batting line with eight doubles, two triples, four home runs, 21 RBI and 12 stolen bases.
Ryan O’Hearn
Ryan O’Hearn, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain on May 17, is “completely asymptomatic” and has resumed all baseball activities. The indication is that O’Hearn’s return to the team will be a matter of days as opposed to a matter of weeks.
O’Hearn was off to a strong start this season before he was sidelined with an injury. The 32-year-old owns a .289/.368/.459 batting line with six doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBI in 44 games in his first year with the Pirates.
Joey Bart
While Joey Bart isn’t as close to returning from a left foot infection as O’Hearn is, the Pirates catcher has resumed all weight room activities and is playing light catch. The Pirates will reassess to see how everything goes when the team is in Houston to start their next roadtrip before deciding the next steps, with the hope being he can start a running progression and hitting progression next week.
Bart, who was placed on the 10-day IL on May 12, is batting .259 with a .670 OPS, one double, two home runs, and six RBI in 21 games.
Other Updates
- INF Nick Gonzales is feeling “90-95%” from a contusion after fouling a ball off his knee on Wednesday night against the Cubs at PNC Park. He’s available to be in the starting lineup on Friday.
- RHP Chris Devenski (illness) had his rehab transferred to the Pirates complex in Bradenton. He is playing catch on flat ground. The Pirates anticipate him hopefully beginning to throw bullpens sometimes next week.
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