Pirates Getting Slugger Back From Injury Earlier Than Expected

O'Hearn Hitting Stats Pirates Ranking Before Injury

The Pirates have a strong lineup with the likes of center fielder Oneil Cruz, left fielder Bryan Reynolds, shortstop Konnor Griffin, third baseman Nick Gonzales, first baseman Spencer Horwitz, who have provided important hits and some power too, aside from Gonzales.

O'Hearn's return improves a lineup that will need his production, especially with the team battling with an incredibly strong National League Central Division.

What to Expect From O'Hearn When He Returns

O'Hearn has stayed with the Pirates during his rehab, working in batting practice and ran the bases on May 29, with Pirates senior director of sports medicine saying that O'Hearn was asymptomatic

The Pirates utilized O'Hearn as their primary right fielder, starting 32 games there, while also playing first base, with seven starts in 22 games at the position.

He can feature as a designated hitter, if the Pirates don't think he's fully healthy to play in right field, which Dan Zangrilli of 93.7 The Fan hinted at, which put the Pirates in a conundrum.

Marcell Ozuna can't play outfield and has served as the team's primary designated hitter. Griffin is dealing with a low-grade muscle strain to one of the flexors in the throwing forearm, which has him as the designated hitter these two last games.

O'Hearn returning means that the Pirates also have to send someone down to Triple-A Indianapolis, as they'll need a 26-man roster spot.

The Pirates will essentially have three designated hitters for the time being, until O'Hearn and Griffin can get back to right field and shortstop, respectively.

Pittsburgh has used different options in right field with O'Hearn out, with rookie Esmerlyn Valdez making five starts, Jake Mangum starting there four times, Reynolds starting there twice and both Jared Triolo and rookie Jhostynxon Garcia starting there once.

Valdez is already in Triple-A and Garcia could join him down there when they bring O'Hearn off the injured list.

That would force Mangum, Reynolds and Triolo to all take more time in right field, with Mangum and Reynolds moving between the corner outfield spots and Triolo staying in right field at times.

Pirates manager Don Kelly hasn't committed to one person at designated hitter for the time being, as they'll take it day-by-day and per game basis, hoping that Griffin gets back to shortstop soon.

"Fluid, as we work through it on a daily basis," Kelly said pregame. "Konnor's still day to day with the forearm. Hopefully, that will clear up sooner than later. We want to get Konnor back into the field, but not until he's fully ready to be able to do that. Really pumped to hear the news on O'Hearn, trending positively. It seems to be a lot quicker than what we anticipated, which is a great thing."