Pirates place Griffin on injured list; O'Hearn activated
General Manager Ben Cherington confirms progress but withholds specific timeline as Ryan O’Hearn steps in from the disabled list.
The Pittsburgh Pirates have placed rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin on the 10-day injured list due to a right forearm strain. The move follows a period where the 20-year-old had been managing soreness in the area, a condition that previously necessitated a temporary shift to designated hitter to maintain his offensive presence in the lineup.
General Manager Ben Cherington indicated that the organisation is taking a measured approach to Griffin’s recovery. Speaking to reporters on May 31, Cherington expressed optimism regarding the player’s progress but emphasised that it remains too early to provide a definitive return date. The club’s priority is ensuring Griffin returns to his primary position at full health rather than rushing his rehabilitation.
While no exact timeline was established, Cherington suggested Griffin could potentially be available during the team’s upcoming homestand, scheduled to run from June 9 through June 14. The general manager noted that the decision to reinstate Griffin will depend on continued progress and direct feedback from the player, with the club intending to place him back in the lineup only when he is ready to go.
Griffin’s absence comes after a productive stretch in May, where he found his rhythm following a slow start to the 2026 season. Through 51 games, the rookie shortstop posted a slash line of .270/.327/.402, contributing four home runs, 22 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. The organisation opted to give him additional time to recover rather than risk aggravating the strain.
To fill the resulting vacancy on the active roster, the Pirates activated Ryan O’Hearn from the injured list. O’Hearn provided an immediate offensive impact upon his return, hitting a home run in the team’s 9-3 victory over Minnesota on May 31, offering a temporary stabilising force while Griffin undergoes treatment.
