Pirates Injury Update: Konnor Griffin ahead of schedule, Ryan O'Hearn making progress

Konnor Griffin is making progress in his recovery from a torn sagittal band in his left ring finger, and the Pirates are optimistic their rookie shortstop could return when eligible to come off the IL on Sept. 4.

Griffin is no longer wearing the splint that protected the finger for six weeks after a checkup with the team’s hand specialist and orthopedic surgeon. He will travel to Bradenton, Fla., when the Pirates begin their road trip Wednesday to continue baseball activities.

Senior director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk described Griffin as "a bit ahead of schedule" in his recovery. The next phase should include Griffin putting his hand back into a glove and fully gripping a bat within 48-72 hours. He remained active during his recovery by taking dry defensive reps, throwing with others catching for him and taking top-hand swings.

Griffin suffered the injury July 5 while diving for a ground ball against the Nationals and was placed on the injured list two days later before being transferred to the 60-day IL. The 20-year-old also missed much of June with a right forearm strain but was beginning to heat up offensively before his latest injury, collecting 11 hits in 36 at-bats after returning.

Pirates get positive update on Ryan O'Hearn amid quad injury recovery

Ryan O’Hearn has taken another step forward in his recovery from a left quadriceps strain, with the Pirates clearing him to resume some light baseball activities.

Tomczyk said Monday that O’Hearn can now play catch and take swings in the batting cage as he continues working his way back from the injury. He is nearly three weeks removed from being placed on the 10-day injured list.

O’Hearn will join Griffin and report to the Pirates’ spring training complex in Bradenton later this week, where he will continue ramping up his workload.

The Pirates initially gave O’Hearn a recovery timeline of six to eight weeks after he suffered the quad strain. His latest progress is encouraging, though the team hasn't announced a specific return date. If O’Hearn continues advancing without setbacks, he appears to have a chance to return toward the earlier portion of Pittsburgh’s original timetable.

Endy Rodríguez seeking second opinion on hip injury, Termarr Johnson to undergo surgery

The Pirates' update on Endy Rodríguez was less positive. Rodríguez was placed on the injured list Thursday with what was initially described as left hip inflammation. However, the organization appears to be evaluating whether the 26-year-old catcher could be dealing with a more significant issue.

Tomczyk said the Pirates expect to have additional information on Rodriguez later this week. Although no updated timetable has been announced, Rodríguez will likely require more than the minimum 10-day IL stint. In his absence, Henry Davis and Rafael Flores are expected to continue splitting the catching duties.

Meanwhile, top infield prospect Termarr Johnson will undergo surgery Thursday to repair the serious left knee injury he suffered earlier this month at Triple-A Indianapolis. The procedure, which will be performed by Dr. Dan Cooper, will include an ACL reconstruction and an LCL procedure.

Johnson suffered the injury while running to first base on a ground ball. His knee bent awkwardly near the bag, and he was eventually taken off the field on a cart with an air cast around his leg. Tomczyk described the injury as "pretty traumatic," but the Pirates will wait until after Thursday’s procedure before establishing a more concrete recovery timetable for the 22-year-old.

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