WEST SACRAMENTO — Konnor Griffin has been in Florida testing his right arm, and what he’s feeling — nothing — has the Pirates shortstop encouraged about returning to the Major League roster soon.
Appearing on 93.7 The Fan for the annual Five Alarm Marathon, Griffin said he’s been throwing out to 150 feet at Pirate City. He has also thrown on back-to-back days while experiencing no issues after being diagnosed with a low-grade flexor muscle strain in his right forearm.
“We’re making really good progress down here,” Griffin said. “I’m feeling good, in a good headspace. Looking to be back sooner than later.”
Griffin described his recovery as “day-to-day,” much of it based on how he feels, but the good news is that the 20-year-old hasn’t felt anything abnormal, especially when throwing at longer distances.
After throwing Monday and Tuesday, Wednesday was a scheduled off day for Griffin. He said he anticipates throwing again Thursday.
“I’m in a spot where I’m having to put something on it, really put the arm to the test,” Griffin said. “I’d like to say we’re getting close to where we want to be.”
More good news: As general Manager Ben Cherington said Sunday, Griffin has been hitting while continuing to rehab his arm injury.
Griffin noted that it’s more logistical than anything on why he went to Florida, specifically balancing rehab work with limited cage space on the road.
But when it comes to how he feels hitting, there have been no issues, and Griffin would welcome the chance to return or spend some time at designated hitter as part of his recovery.
“It doesn’t bother me at all hitting,” Griffin said. “I think it’s more the situation where, if I’m not DH’ing and was trying to rehab with the team, it just gets tough when you’re on the road. There’s one cage and 13 guys who have to prepare for a game.
“Coming down to Florida, you kinda become the priority. You’re hands-on, one-on-one with coaches, getting your work in. It’s just more quality work to rehab and get back when you’re down here.
“If they wanted me to DH, I would do it in a heartbeat. I miss being with the guys. I’m trying to help contribute to winning games, so whatever they need.”
Griffin has appeared in 51 games this season, hitting .270 with a .729 OPS that includes nine doubles, two triples and four home runs. He has 22 RBIs, 14 steals (in 15 attempts) and has scored 30 runs.
Since turning 20 on April 24, Griffin has hit .317 with an .858 OPS, performing 38% above league average during those 32 games.
But as good as Griffin has been — tying Brandon Lowe for the second-most wins above replacement on the Pirates, per FanGraphs, with 1.3 during that time — he’s hardly satisfied.
“I feel like I have a lot more to prove,” Griffin said. “That just comes with taking it day-by-day, going through the experience. Being away, I’m pretty happy with how things have gone, but I know there’s a lot more I can do to help the team win.”
Part of that involves nudging his OPS even higher, into what would effectively be an All-Star range.
“I’m a .900 OPS guy,” Griffin said. “That’s what I did all last year. I feel like I can continue to improve my walks, staying gap-to-gap, hitting doubles and homers and just using the power and the skills that I’ve shown throughout the Minor Leagues. I can show them at this level. It takes a full year to do that. I’m ready to get back and keep rolling.”
There was also a lighter portion of the interview with Griffin, who joked that he’s been able to fly under the radar around Bradenton because Pirates fans expect him to be with the big league club.
Asked for his best dating advice, Griffin sounded like most married men when he said, “You just keep saying yes. That’s all you gotta do.”
Konnor and his wife, Dendy, have been sneaking off to the beach some to relax while watching Pirates games at night and trying to stay current with the Major League team after his rehab work is finished.
“Really trying to use this little time away from the game to relax,” Griffin said. “Having some very chill evenings, tuning into the games. I don’t want to get too far away from the games. I want to make sure I know what’s going on. Just a little mixture of a mental reset, get away to the beach with my wife a little bit but still tune into the games. I’m trying to stay busy as much as I can.”
Jason Mackey: Jason.Mackey@pirates.com and @JMackey_PGH on X.