Pirates Make Roster Move After Reinstating Konnor Griffin

Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Pirates Make Roster Move After Reinstating Konnor Griffin

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jun 26, 2026 8:38 PM ET

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has been reinstated from the 10-day injured list after nearly a month on the sidelines with a right elbow strain. Infielder Jack Brannigan was optioned back to Double-A Altoona in a corresponding move.

Griffin returned immediately to his everyday role, batting leadoff for Friday's series opener against the Cincinnati Reds. The decision gives Pittsburgh an immediate boost on both sides of the ball as the club looks to build momentum in the National League Central race.

Before landing on the injured list May 31, Griffin had emerged as one of the Pirates' most productive players and a catalyst at the top of the lineup. Through 51 games, the 19-year-old is hitting .270 with a .327 on-base percentage, four home runs, 22 RBIs and 14 stolen bases while scoring 30 runs.

From April 24 until his injury, he elevated his production even further, hitting .317 with a .370 on-base percentage and a .488 slugging percentage. Defensively, he stabilized the left side of the infield as well, making his absence felt on both ends during the 10-12 stretch Pittsburgh went through without him.

ROSTER MOVES: Today we reinstated INF Konnor Griffin (right elbow strain) from the 10-day injured list and optioned INF Jack Brannigan to Double-A Altoona.
— Pittsburgh Pirates (@Pirates) June 26, 2026

The Pirates took a cautious approach throughout Griffin's recovery after diagnosing him with a low-grade right forearm flexor strain. His throwing program was temporarily paused following a follow-up evaluation earlier this month before he resumed baseball activities.

He needed just one rehab game with Double-A Altoona to prove he was ready, going two for two with a home run, a triple, three RBIs and three runs scored. That performance eliminated any need for an extended rehab assignment and cleared the way for Friday's activation.

Rather than easing him back with limited playing time, Pittsburgh immediately restored him to the leadoff spot, a clear sign of the confidence the coaching staff has in both his health and his impact on the lineup.

Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin (6)Mark J&period; Rebilas-Imagn Images

Brannigan's return to Altoona was simply the roster move required to make room for Griffin. The Pirates had promoted him one day earlier after Spencer Horwitz suffered a hamstring injury, but Brannigan did not appear in a big-league game before being sent back down. His brief stay does little to change his long-term outlook.

The Pirates enter Friday at 41-40, chasing ground in the NL Central. Getting one of their most dynamic young players back gives Pittsburgh a legitimate reason for optimism, and if Griffin quickly regains the form he showed before the injury, this lineup becomes considerably more dangerous heading into an important divisional series against the Reds.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: