Konnor Griffin confirms Pirates avoided worst-case scenario at Futures Game

Konnor Griffin started at shortstop and was the second batter in the National League’s lineup in Saturday's MLB All-Star Futures Game at Truist Park in Atlanta. The Pittsburgh Pirates' No. 2 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, grounded out to third base in his first at-bat and reached on an infield single during his second. His third trip to the plate, however, sent Pirates fans everywhere into a widespread panic.

With a 1-1 count in the bottom of the fourth inning, Houston Astros pitching prospect Alimber Santa threw a 97.4 mph sinker high and inside that nailed Griffin's right wrist. As Griffin grimaced in obvious pain, the training staff assessed him and promptly removed him from the game.

Griffin's father, Kevin, posted on X that his son was "all good" after the incident, alleviating some concerns, but Griffin himself provided an update after the game that elicited a massive sigh of relief from fans. The X-rays on his wrist, he said, had all come back negative, and he was good to go.

“It was scary, but the guy was competing and trying to go inside and get a strike, and might have just let loose on it,” Griffin said, smiling, as he addressed the media at Truist Park. “I’m glad I’m good, can take a few days off and get back rolling with Greensboro.” 

Pirates seemingly avoid worst-case scenario with Konnor Griffin update

The Pirates selected Griffin with the ninth overall pick in last year’s MLB Draft, and MLB Pipeline currently ranks him as the No. 13 prospect in baseball. Playing in his first professional season, he has a .327/.400/.521 slash line with 13 home runs and 41 stolen bases over 75 minor league games split between two levels of the Pirates' farm system.

Griffin's dominant start to the season with Single-A Bradenton earned him a promotion to High-A Greensboro last month. His production hasn't slowed, as he is still slashing .302/.409/.490 with four homers in 25 High-A games. It would have been an absolute shame if he had his momentum halted because of a freak injury.

Griffin has been nothing short of incredible this season, and there is already talk of him receiving a second promotion to Double-A Altoona before the end of the campaign. Fortunately, that possibility is still intact after his positive update following Saturday's showcase.

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