Konnor Griffin is nearing a return to the Pirates’ infield.
The former No. 1 prospect and 20-year-old shortstop sensation will begin a rehab assignment in Double-A with the Altoona Curve beginning on Wednesday.
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Manager Don Kelly confirmed to the media that Griffin will play his first game since May 30.
Griffin has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a forearm injury that has hampered his ability to throw.
What was once considered day-to-day required an IL stint, and the Pirates treated the injury with significant caution.
Griffin served as the designated hitter against the Minnesota Twins on May 29 and 30, but the Pirates didn’t want to risk future injury.
Pirates pregame and postgame host Dan Zangrilli of 93.7 The Fan believes Griffin could return during the three-game series against the Cincinnati Reds this home stand.
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In 51 games with the Bucs, Griffin is slashing .270/.327/.402 with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs, and 22 RBIs over the course of 189 at-bats.
Griffin has also stolen 14 bases and has been deployed as high as the Pirates’ leadoff hitter or in the bottom third of the lineup.
The Pirates did not find any structural damage for Griffin or anything that required serious attention outside of rest. He took ground balls last week and continued to rehab his forearm by throwing 90 feet, to bases, and getting back into the swing of throwing the ball with regularity.
The team extended their star shortstop with a nine-year, $140 million contract that marked one of the best days in recent Pirates history.
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Lacking offense and Griffin’s five-tool ability at short, the Pirates have slipped below .500 (39-40).
They desperately need Griffin back, and it appears to be only a matter of time.
When he does return soon, Griffin will immediately be relied on as the difference maker and embrace the weight of the franchise at only 20 years of age.
The Pirates play the Mariners and Reds before going across the state and to the nation’s capital over the next two weeks before the All-Star Game.
