The Pirates were already scrambling to piece together an infield with Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz both sidelined on the IL. Now they've got a third domino down, and it's their rookie shortstop who was supposed to be the guy holding things together.
Pittsburgh rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has a torn tendon in his left ring finger, sources tell ESPN. While Griffin could play through it, rehab is the likeliest option and would keep him out at least a month. Pirates already have Oneil Cruz and Spencer Horwitz on the IL.
Per Passan, Griffin has a torn tendon in his left ring finger. He could theoretically try to play through it, but rehab is reportedly the more likely path, and that would cost him at least a month. For a rookie just trying to find his footing at the big-league level, a monthlong absence during what's supposed to be a breakout stretch is brutal timing.
MLB Trade Rumors flagged the diagnosis as it made its way around the league.
Zoom out and this is turning into a genuine infield crisis in Pittsburgh. Cruz and Horwitz already out, and now the shortstop spot loses its everyday guy too. Whatever internal options the Pirates have left are about to get a lot more playing time than anyone planned for.