This is the last thing the Pittsburgh Pirates needed right now.
Star rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin reportedly has a torn tendon in his left ring finger, according to ESPN insider Jeff Passan. While Griffin can technically play through the injury, it's more likely he'll be placed on the injured list, where he would need at least a month to recover.
This would be Griffin's second stint on the injured list already this season. The 20-year-old previously suffered a right forearm and elbow strain that sidelined him for nearly a month. He returned on June 26 and picked up right where he left off.
In eight games since returning, Griffin went 11-for-36 (.305) with one home run and six stolen bases. He also flashed the leather with a pair of highlight-reel diving catches while ranging back on popups. Whether he injured his finger on one of those plays or somewhere else remains unknown.
Overall, Griffin is hitting .276/.332/.404 with a .736 OPS, five home runs, 25 RBIs and 20 stolen bases this season.
His arrival in the majors has completely changed the feeling around this Pirates team, giving the organization legitimate hope of making the postseason for the first time since 2015.
Even while Griffin was sidelined earlier this season, the Pirates received major contributions from several young players. Top prospects Esmerlyn Valdez and Endy Rodriguez have made immediate impacts since reaching the majors. Valdez owns a 1.021 OPS in 71 at-bats, while Rodriguez has posted an .858 OPS in 100 at-bats.
Add in veterans Brandon Lowe and Bryan Reynolds, plus Griffin's eventual return, and the Pirates suddenly have their most dangerous lineup in years. In the eight games since Griffin returned, Pittsburgh averaged 5.38 runs per game. That's without Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz, who are both currently on the injured list.
Now the Pirates must find a way to stay afloat until Griffin and the rest of their lineup get healthy again.
Entering today, Pittsburgh sits just three games out of the National League Wild Card race. With so many teams struggling to separate themselves, the Pirates have as good a chance as anyone to claim one of those final postseason spots. But for now, they'll likely have to do it without Griffin.
