Konnor Griffin’s first rehab game starts the clock on an important Pirates decision

Konnor Griffin’s first minor league rehab game didn’t produce much worth dissecting in the box score. What mattered far more was how the Pittsburgh Pirates used him.

Griffin went 1-for-3 with two strikeouts Sunday for Double-A Altoona, but he also played seven innings at shortstop in his first game action since landing on the injured list. That hardly looks like a player being eased back into competition. Instead, the Pirates appear to be testing whether Griffin can be ready when he becomes eligible to return Friday.

That starts the clock on an important decision: How much rehab does Griffin actually need?

With both Altoona and Triple-A Indianapolis off Monday, there aren’t many opportunities remaining before Friday. The Pirates could activate Griffin as soon as he is eligible, or they could allow the 20-year-old additional time in the minors to regain his timing. His workload Sunday suggests the former is very much in play.

Konnor Griffin closing in on long-awaited return to Pirates after first rehab game at Double-A Altoona

Griffin has already endured two IL stints during his rookie season, including a month-long absence because of a right forearm strain. When healthy, though, he has shown why the Pirates were willing to turn one of baseball’s best prospects into an everyday major leaguer so quickly.

Griffin has batted .276/.332/.404 through 247 plate appearances, good for a 101 wRC+. That's essentially league-average offensive production from a player who didn't turn 20 until April 24.

Griffin's speed has translated immediately, with 20 stolen bases, and his ability to contribute defensively at shortstop adds another dimension to a Pirates roster that has missed him badly.

The timing of Griffin’s absence has also made it especially painful for a Pirates team trying to hang around the National League wild-card race. Pittsburgh’s offense has cratered since the All-Star break, averaging just 3.71 runs per game after scoring 5.32 per game before it, while the Pirates have been shut out a major league-high 15 times this season.

Griffin alone wouldn't have fixed all of that, but Pittsburgh has spent weeks trying to manufacture offense without one of its best athletes, fastest baserunners and most dynamic young hitters. In a playoff chase where every marginal upgrade matters, getting even Griffin’s league-average bat — plus the havoc he can create on the bases — back into the lineup could provide exactly the kind of jolt the Pirates have been missing.

The Pirates shouldn't stretch out this rehab assignment simply for the sake of caution if Griffin is physically ready. We already know he belongs in the majors. The purpose of these next few games is to determine whether his body and timing are ready for major league competition again.

Playing seven innings at shortstop in Game 1 was an encouraging first answer. If Griffin continues handling a normal workload without setbacks, Pittsburgh could have a difficult time finding a reason not to activate him Friday.

And with the Pirates running out of season, every healthy game they can get from Griffin suddenly matters a whole lot more.

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