PITTSBURGH – Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin was activated off the injured list ahead of Friday night’s game against the Reds.
Griffin went on the IL on May 31 with a right forearm strain. He played in one rehab game, on Wednesday for Double-A Altoona.
The 20-year-old reached base all four times in his rehab stint while ripping a triple and a home run.
He returned to Pittsburgh on Thursday, when he worked out pregame with the team and was evaluated by the medical staff. Griffin had been cleared to hit since reporting the injury, appearing as the designated hitter twice before hitting the IL.
The Pirates wanted to see how Griffin’s throwing arm would respond following the strain in the field. After consultation with Dr. Keith Meister, it was suggested that Griffin take a two-week break from throwing. He did just that before heading to Florida to rehab the arm while the Pirates were on the road in mid-June.
In Bradenton, Griffin worked on throwing from different arm angles and returning to full strength. With Altoona, Griffin made an error in the field but said he felt good after the outing, during which he played seven innings.
Through 51 Major League games in his rookie season, Griffin is hitting .270 with a .729 OPS, four homers and 14 stolen bases, rebounding from a slow start with a .306/.361/.459 slash line in May. Jared Triolo has filled in at shortstop in Griffin's absence, helping out defensively, but he has been unable to replicate the offensive production.
Infielder Jack Brannigan was optioned to Double-A Altoona with Griffin returning from IL.