The Pittsburgh Pirates are getting some good news on the injury front. Their top prospect, Konnor Griffin, is expected to start a rehab assignment next week, according to team insider Jason Mackey. Griffin has been sidelined with a forearm injury that landed him on the injured list, and this is the first real step toward getting him back on the field.
Griffin posted solid numbers before the injury. In 51 games this season, he hit .270 with a .327 on-base percentage and a .402 slugging percentage. He knocked four homers, nine doubles, and two triples while swiping 14 bags. For a rookie, that production stands out. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if he’s in the Rookie of the Year conversation, but first things first. He has to get healthy and prove he can pick up where he left off.
The Pirates are sitting at 38-39, good for fourth place in the NL Central. They’re not out of it, but they’re not exactly setting the world on fire either. Getting Griffin back could give the lineup a nice jolt, especially if he picks up right where he left off.
Pirates Could Be Active at the Trade Deadline
Meanwhile, the front office might have some moves up its sleeve. According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, the Pirates hold the 34th overall pick in the upcoming MLB Draft. That’s a competitive-balance pick, and those are the only draft picks teams are allowed to trade. Rosenthal reported that rival clubs believe Pittsburgh is open to moving it.
That pick could be useful in a deal to bring in some immediate help. The Pirates also have the fifth overall pick, though that one can’t be traded under current rules. Still, having extra bonus pool money and a high selection gives them some flexibility. The question is whether they’ll use it to buy at the deadline or hold steady.
Griffin’s timeline matters here too. If he comes back and looks sharp right away, that changes the calculus a bit. A healthy, productive Griffin makes the Pirates a tougher team to face. But if the front office thinks they’re still a piece or two away, dangling that 34th pick could land them a veteran who helps now.
There’s no word yet on which level Griffin will start his rehab assignment. The Pirates haven’t confirmed a specific date either. But the fact that he’s about to get back on the field is the kind of news a middling team needs heading into July.
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