O'Hearn to miss 6-8 weeks on IL, but hopes to return for playoff push

CINCINNATI -- The Pirates will be without 1B/OF Ryan O'Hearn for 6-8 weeks, as he was placed on the 10-day injured list on Saturday with a left quad strain. In a series of corresponding moves, RHP Isaac Mattson was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis, C/1B Rafael Flores Jr. was activated from the injured list and RHP Antwone Kelly was optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis.

O'Hearn was injured in the ninth inning of the Pirates' 8-7 loss to the Reds on Friday while running to first base. He left the field with the assistance of Pirates manager Don Kelly and a member of their training staff. He was later seen using a crutch to navigate the postgame clubhouse.

O’Hearn described the injury as feeling a pop. While the injury to his left quad, especially after missing time with a right quad strain earlier in the season, is frustrating, O’Hearn said the prognosis is better than expected.

“No surgery or anything like that, and a chance to return for playoffs at the end of the year,” O’Hearn said. “That is what I am holding on to.”

O’Hearn returned from his first IL stint this year quicker than expected. He hopes for the same, as the six-to-eight week timeline would line up for just about three weeks left in the regular season.

“​Honestly, it's frustrating. I don’t know what is wrong with my quads. I have got to figure it out this winter. I have never had issues like this,” O’Hearn said. "I have to figure out what I have to do to make that better moving forward. So I just will do whatever they tell me to do in the training room and try to be around the guys as much as possible.”

With Pittsburgh dropping a close game late on Friday, and the injury making matters worse, the postgame clubhouse was in a saddened state. Infielder Nick Gonzales was emotional when speaking on O’Hearn’s injury, saying he “loves him to death.”

Brandon Lowe, who has grown close with O’Hearn as two veterans on the squad, felt the same when asked Saturday afternoon about the diagnosis.

“Personally, knowing who he is and how he is as a competitor, when I saw him not be able to walk off the field, I immediately went way worse in my mind, 'Oh, this is going to be surgery, or this is going to be months and months we're losing him for,'” Lowe said. “So I think getting results today kind of helps lift some spirits a little bit, and it kind of gives you a more achievable goal.”

“It sucks,” O’Hearn added. “Obviously I want to be out there and help this team with a playoff push we got going on. I know it has been a tough stretch but obviously it sucks. Overall, man, I am beyond blessed. I have got a great life and great family and I lean on my faith and grind through it and attack the rehab process, but I will be alright. The Pirates will be alright without me.”

Pittsburgh has found ways to survive multiple injuries to key players. With the Trade Deadline looming on Monday, the Pirates could look for an outside move to fill the void. Spencer Horwitz is nearing a return after a hamstring strain and concussion, and is expected to play first base when he comes back.

Kelly inserted Rafael Flores Jr. in the lineup at first base Saturday night, while pointing out other infielders Jared Triolo, Jacob Gonzalez and Endy Rodríguez can all play the position if needed.