Konnor Griffin Injury Update: Latest News on Pirates Rookie
Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin has had a very successful rookie season so far, but he has now faced a setback. Over the past few days, he has been limited to only the designated hitter role due to a low-grade muscle strain, which has affected a flexor tendon in his forearm. Because of this, he has not been able to throw or play the field.
The team had been optimistic about Griffin's recovery timeline, as the Pirates hoped he would not need to head to the injured list because of this forearm issue.
However, on Sunday, the Pirates made a decision that is unfortunate news for Griffin and his supporters.
According to Colin Beazley of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates are placing Griffin on the injured list.
"Ryan O'Hearn has been activated from the injured list," Beazley said. "Konnor Griffin is headed to the IL. Konnor Griffin has been dealing with a flexor strain in his right forearm. On his radio show, Pirates GM Ben Cherington said that he's progressing well from the strain and threw today, but wasn't going to play SS in Houston."
Konnor Griffin has been dealing with a flexor strain in his right forearm. On his radio show, Pirates GM Ben Cherington said that he's progressing well from the strain and threw today, but wasn't going to play SS in Houston.
— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) May 31, 2026
Pirates expect it to be a short-term stay.
Beazley said that Pittsburgh does not expect that Griffin will need to be on the injured list for long, as it is hoping that he can be back sooner rather than later.
Through his first 51 games in the majors, Griffin has put up a slash line of .270/.327/.402 with an OPS of .729, totaling four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases. He has been just below average defensively, as he has a .967 fielding percentage, while the league percentage at shortstop is .971.
This is the first time Griffin has needed to go to the injured list since joining the MLB roster at the beginning of the season.
Related: Pirates Reveal Konnor Griffin News Before Twins Game
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This story was originally published May 31, 2026 at 10:01 AM.