PITTSBURGH (AP) — Konnor Griffin is eager to rejoin his teammates on the field. The rookie shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates expressed optimism on Thursday about being activated from the 60-day injured list, with a potential return set for Friday as the Pirates prepare to kick off a three-game series against the Los Angeles Angels.
The 20-year-old Griffin has been sidelined since early July due to a knuckle injury on the ring finger of his left hand. After spending approximately six weeks in a splint, he has participated in a limited number of games during a rehabilitation assignment, gradually working his way back to full health.
“It’s been driving me nuts watching the games on my phone,” Griffin admitted. He signed a significant contract extension in April, shortly after making his Major League debut, and is eager to return to competitive play. “It’ll be fun to finally be back in there competing,” he added.
During Griffin's absence, the Pirates have struggled to maintain their position in the National League playoff race. As of Thursday, they were 5 1/2 games behind the final wild card spot, highlighting the urgency of his return to the lineup.
The Pirates organization is committed to bringing Griffin back this season, assessing that the risk of re-injury is minimal. The team believes that gaining more experience is crucial for the young player as he navigates the early stages of his professional career.
Despite the interruptions caused by injuries, Griffin has shown flashes of brilliance this season. He boasts a batting average of .276, with five home runs, 25 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases across 59 games. His performance has been impressive, especially considering the multiple trips he has made to the injured list.
“It’s just cool to see how my body has been able to overcome these injuries,” Griffin remarked, reflecting on his resilience. “I feel like it’s a good sign for me. I’m pumped to be back here.”
Perhaps the most encouraging news for Griffin and the Pirates is that he is now pain-free. He conducted grip strength testing recently, with results that exceeded expectations. “Those numbers were actually a lot higher than they should have been, which was a good sign for me. That gave me a lot of confidence, squeezing a bat, squeezing a glove wasn’t gonna be an issue,” he explained.
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