Pirates Roster Moves: Ryan O’Hearn Returns But Konnor Griffin Placed on IL
The Pittsburgh Pirates have reinstated outfielder/first baseman Ryan O’Hearn from the 15-day injured list. O’Hearn was placed on the IL on May 17 with a right quad muscle strain. He will DH against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday afternoon.
To make room for him on the active roster, the Pirates placed shortstop Konnor Griffin on the 10-day injured list with a right elbow strain.
O’Hearn returns to the Pirates much quicker than expected with an original estimate of around four weeks. Pittsburgh will be glad to get his services back given that the 31-year-old started his tenure with the Pirates on a strong note.
In 44 games with the Pirates this season, O’Hearn carries a .289/.368/.459 batting line with six doubles, seven home runs and 29 RBI. He’s started 32 games in right field, made 22 appearances at first base and has served as designated hitter three times.
But O’Hearn’s return comes at a cost as the Pirates will be without their budding star in Griffin for at least 10 days. Griffin has been dealing with a low-grade muscle strain to one of the flexors in his forearm, which has relegated him to DH duties the last two games.
Griffin’s totaled 51 games with the Pirates during his rookie season and has a .270/.327/.402 batting line with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs, 22 RBI and 14 stolen bases. Ever since his debut on April 3 against the Baltimore Orioles, the 20-year-old has been the starting shortstop and has been responsible for three defensive runs saved.
General manager Ben Cherington said on 93.7 The Fan that the Pirates are optimistic Griffin’s stint on the injured list will be on the shorter side.
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