Pirates’ Konnor Griffin Hasn’t Skipped a Beat Since Injury

Tommy WildTue, Jun 30, 2026·2 min read

When the Pittsburgh Pirates placed Konnor Griffin on the injured list back on May 31 with a forearm strain, the shortstop was in the middle of a four-game hit streak, which included a home run and a double.

The rookie had gone through some early growing pains and learning curves, but was finally starting to get back on track. That was one of the reasons Griffin’s injury came at such an inconvenient time for him and the Pirates.

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It's always a mystery how a player will re-adjust after nearly a month away from big-league pitching.

The good news is that Griffin is back in the Pirates’ lineup, and he’s showing no signs of the forearm injury having a lasting impact on his production.

The 20-year-old’s first game off the injured list came on Friday, in which he logged two hits, including a solo home run. Then, on Sunday, after a day off, Griffin reached base again on a sharp line drive single to center field.

Griffin’s bat stayed hot during Pittsburgh’s series opener against their in-state rival, the Philadelphia Phillies. The rookie hitter finished with two hits, including a double. He also came around to score one of the team’s 11 runs in the victory.

One of Griffin's hits came in the top of the fifth inning, which was a perfectly placed surprise bunt down the third base line, which set up the Pirates, scratching a run across on the very next play.

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Since coming off the injured list, Griffin owns a .357/.400/.643 slash line in his three games since coming off the injured list.

One of the more impressive parts of Griffin's recent hot stretch is that he's only struck out twice in 14 at-bats. He's clearly still seeing the ball well, even with the extended absence.

Sure, it’s the same size so far, but Griffin coming off the injured list is, obviously, better than the alternative, which should have Pittsburgh very excited and encouraged that he can build off this streak.

The Pirates are going to need a healthy, productive Konnor Griffin during the second half of the season if Pittsburgh is going to make a playoff push.

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Thankfully, it looks like the rookie is picking up right where he left off.

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