The Pittsburgh Pirates‘ last hope for clinching the final NL Wild Card spot could be helped by the return of rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin.
The 20-year-old has been out with a finger injury since early July and was officially activated off the 60-day injury list ahead of Pittsburgh’s series with the Los Angeles Angels on Friday.
In a corresponding move, catcher Christian Bethancourt was designated for assignment.
Griffin’s return to the Pirates’ lineup for the first time in two months should provide the team with a much-needed spark. The club enters the series with the Angels just five games out of the last NL Wild Card spot.
Will Konnor Griffin’s return be enough for the Pirates to make the postseason?
Even with the return of their franchise shortstop, the Pirates will need to go on a run to reach the postseason. That should start this weekend in Los Angeles.
With roughly three weeks remaining in the regular season, the 69-72 Pirates sit grouped with several teams in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot.
Griffin’s impact before the injury — slashing .276/.331/.404 across 59 games with five home runs and 20 stolen bases — certainly supplies the team with reason for optimism for his return, especially as the lineup has struggled against left-handed pitching.
As Sports Illustrated’s Dominic Campbell writes, “Griffin being that right-handed bat is also crucial, as the Pirates have struggled massively against left-handed pitching in 2026, 14-30 on the season and 6-13 after the All-Star break when a southpaw starts.” Griffin hit .298/.339/.439 against lefties.
The Pirates have slugged .315 as a team and will benefit from Griffin’s extra-base tendencies. He had 10 doubles and a pair of triples before the injury. Pittsburgh was 31-28 with him in the lineup.
Jared Triolo and Jacob Gonzalez have shared duties at shortstop in Griffin’s absence. The duo has struggled to a combined .220 batting average and .597 OPS.
The team and Pirates manager Don Kelly will be happy to welcome their spark plug back on the field.
