The Pittsburgh Pirates are finally getting healthy, though it might be just too little, too late.
After getting some positive news on Oneil Cruz, the Pirates are on tap to get Konnor Griffin back in approximately three weeks, according to MLB.com.
Griffin went on the 6o-day IL with a left ring finger injury and is eligible to return on September 4. Griffin tore his left ring finger sagittal band and forced him to wear a splint for six weeks. Pirates Senior Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk gave some positive injury news on Griffin, a much needed change of pace from the seemingly never-ending cycle of players missing time.
“Not surprisingly, Konnor’s a little bit ahead of schedule,” Tomcyk told the media this week. “He has been cleared to transition out of the splints that you’ve seen him in. You will still see his hand taped, and that’s part of this transition phase.”
The original timeline for Griffin’s return put him more likely to return around mid-September, so it’s encouraging to see that he is progressing towards full baseball activities.
Over the next 48-72 hours, you’ll see him putting his hand in the glove,“ Tomczyk said. ”You’ll see him gripping the bat fully.”
Griffin suffered the injury on July 5 against the Washington Nationals, just eight games after returning from an elbow injury. The 20-year-old rookie’s season that was full of promise has been cut short with two lengthy injuries that hasn’t allowed the staff or fan base to see Griffin’s full potential at the major league level.
In 59 games, Griffin is slashing .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS. He owns 10 doubles, five home runs, and 25 RBIs over 225 at-bats.
The speedy shortstop has stolen 20 bases and was on pace to steal over 40 bags as a rookie.
If he does return on time, Griffin will return to the team when the Pirates host the LA Angels at PNC Park.