Pirates fans' Futures Game experience completely ruined after Konnor Griffin scare

In what was supposed to be an exciting Futures Game featuring Konnor Griffin and Esmerlyn Valdez, Pittsburgh Pirates fans instead witnessed one of the worst possible outcomes. Griffin was removed from the game after getting plunked in the wrist by a 97 mph sinker from Alimber Santa.

This came in his third plate appearance of the game and the inside pitch just caught the bottom of his right hand. He grimaced in pain for a few seconds before proceeding down the first base line until the trainers stopped him, pulling him from the game.

Any injury is concerning, but we've seen how particularly bad these can be. Spencer Horwitz missed the first two months of the season due to his recovery from wrist surgery and his production has regressed following that procedure.

Fortunately, there have been some positive updates following the initial reaction after his father revealed good news on social media. We can expect the Pirates to conduct further testing to avoid any long term issues.

Konnor Griffin runs into an injury scare in the MLB Futures Game, sending Pirates' fans into panic.

Before getting removed from the game, Griffin was 1-for-2 with an infield single and a groundout to third. He was caught stealing following his single as well. In the field, he may a nice catch on a 103 mph low line drive right at him.

Griffin has made massive strides in his first professional season, already reaching High-A and registering a .921 OPS. This organization needs him to be the future of Pittsburgh, which would require continuing on this current trajectory. He already is expected to join the team in 2026 at some point.

Valdez finished this game just fine, but didn't start and went 0-for-1. The National League team won 4-2, courtesy of a three-run homer by Josue De Paula of the Dodgers. But all Pirates fans will care about in the aftermath is knowing for certain that Griffin is OK and ready to start the second half of the 2025 season on Friday.