Just when it looked like things were turning around for the Pittsburgh Pirates, they took another major hit.
One day after receiving brutal injury news on Konnor Griffin that will keep him out for over two months, the Pirates have placed young catcher Endy Rodriguez on the 10-day injured list with a left glute strain, retroactive to July 6. To take his spot on the roster, Pittsburgh recalled catcher Rafael Flores Jr.
Rodriguez has provided a major boost to the Pirates' lineup since returning to the big-leagues on May 14. In 100 at-bats this season, he's hitting .260/.388/.470 with five home runs, 16 RBI and an .858 OPS.
Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, injuries have defined much of his young major league career. Since being acquired from the New York Mets in 2021, Rodriguez has battled a long list of setbacks. He missed nearly all of the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery. Then, after returning in 2025, he missed time with a right index finger laceration before right elbow ulnar nerve surgery ended his season in June.
With Griffin now sidelined, there was hope Rodriguez could help carry the offense while the franchise shortstop recovered. Instead, the Buccos will need their other stars to step up with both players now out of the lineup.
The Pirates picked up one of their most satisfying wins of the season Tuesday night, beating the Atlanta Braves 12-4. Ryan O'Hearn stole the show by hitting three home runs and driving in 10 runs. More importantly, the victory snapped Pittsburgh's nine-game losing streak in starts made by Paul Skenes. While Skenes hasn't matched his Cy Young campaign, his teammates have repeatedly left him with little run support.
Another encouraging sign has been the continued breakout of Esmerlyn Valdez. The 22-year-old has been sensational since making his debut on May 22. In 74 at-bats, he's hitting .311/.373/.649 with six home runs, 17 RBI and a 1.022 OPS. It's unfair to put even more pressure on such a young player, but the Pirates will need more from Valdez moving forward.
Entering play Wednesday, the Pirates sit just three games behind the Miami Marlins for the final National League Wild Card spot. The only other team they need to pass is the struggling St. Louis Cardinals.
Pittsburgh hasn't reached the postseason since 2015, but this remains its best opportunity in years to get back to October. There's every reason to believe the Pirates will be buyers at the Aug. 3 trade deadline.
