Pirates’ Konnor Griffin to Be Sidelined 8-10 Weeks With Finger Injury; ‘It’s a Punch in the Gut’
PITTSBURGH — The Pirates’ injury woes continue, and the biggest blow struck on Tuesday when it was announced that starting shortstop Konnor Griffin will be out 8 to 10 weeks with an injury to the sagittal band in his left ring finger. The Pirates placed him on the 10-day injured list (retroactive to July 6).
“It’s a punch in the gut,” manager Don Kelly said ahead of Tuesday’s game. “Konnor is a huge part of the team.”
Griffin will wear a splint for about six weeks before he’s reassessed by the team’s medical staff, according to Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk. The injury occurred in Pittsburgh’s game against the Nationals on Sunday afternoon.
Griffin just returned from the IL on June 26 after missing nearly a month with a right forearm strain. The rookie sensation has a .276/.332/.404 batting line with 10 doubles, two triples, five home runs, 25 RBIs and 20 stolen bases in 59 games to start his big-league career.
Since turning 20 years old on April 24, Griffin has found his groove. In 40 games dating back to that day, Griffin has a .314/368/.472 batting line with eight doubles, a triple, five home runs, 17 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.
“It’s frustrating, more so for him,” said Kelly. “Coming back off of (the injured list), first time in the big leagues. I don’t want to say got off to a slow start, but from his standard, got off to a slow start. Turned 20 and then just turned it on and has been doing great. Really has been a big part of our success. I think for him to learn through this, too, every single player goes through injuries. He’s just had a couple tough ones at the beginning. I know he’ll be stronger after going through it.”
While Griffin’s bat will be a big enough loss for the Pirates, they will also be without his baserunning prowess and strong defensive abilities until at least September.
“We need to find a way to keep on,” said Kelly. “I think the things that stand out to me is the fight that this team has shown through any adversity, anything this whole year.”
In Griffin’s absence, Jared Triolo will get the majority of playing time at shortstop. Triolo filled in for Griffin during his first stint on the injured list in June. In 57 games this season, Triolo has a .240/.312/.316 batting line with 10 doubles, one home run, 14 RBIs and six steals. In his last 16 games dating back to June 17, Triolo has slashed .286/.364/.469 with seven extra-base hits (one home run), seven RBIs and three steals.
“Defensively, I think he’s done tremendous. He’s been unbelievable.” Kelly said of Triolo at short. “Offensively, he’s had the ups and downs. We know that. He’s come on strong here recently.”
To take Griffin’s place on the active roster, the Pirates recalled Jack Brannigan from Triple-A Indianapolis. Brannigan was briefly recalled by the team on June 25 but did not appear in a game before he was optioned back to Double-A Altoona the following day.
Brannigan was promoted to Indianapolis on June 30 and appeared in six games with Pittsburgh’s top affiliate. In those six games, the 25-year-old had a .263/.423/.579 batting line with two home runs and seven RBIs. In 33 games with Altoona prior to his promotion, Brannigan batted .226/.319/.500 with eight doubles, one triple, 18 RBIs and one stolen base.
“He’s a heck of a player. When you look at his versatility, being able to play, especially third and short, at the level that he’s able to play at. He’s an elite defender,” Kelly said of Brannigan. “He’s driven the ball really well in the minor leagues. Working to cut the strikeouts down a little bit.”
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What is the cause of Griffin’s latest injury?