Pirates Injury Update: Konnor Griffin nearing return, Ryan O’Hearn timeline revealed, Endy Rodríguez

The Pittsburgh Pirates appear to be getting closer to welcoming Konnor Griffin back to the lineup.

General manager Ben Cherington said on his radio show this weekend that Griffin has started swinging a bat and remains on track to return in the first part of September as he continues rehabbing the left ring finger sagittal band injury that has sidelined him since July 5.

Griffin had his fingers immobilized in a splint for six weeks before having it removed on Aug. 17. He has since progressed to gripping exercises, using his glove and swinging while rehabbing at the Pirates’ facility in Bradenton.

Griffin can't be activated from the 60-day injured list until Sept. 4, but Cherington remains confident the 20-year-old will return to Major League games not long after becoming eligible. That would provide the Pirates with a significant late-season boost after spending most of the summer without one of the most important young players in their lineup.

Pirates pump brakes on Ryan O'Hearn's expected return timeline

In addition to Griffin, the Pirates finally have a clearer idea of when Ryan O’Hearn could return to their lineup.

Cherington said O’Hearn is “tracking positively” in his recovery from a left quad strain and has progressed to running drills. Based on the original six-to-eight-week recovery timetable after he landed on the injured list Aug. 1, a return around mid-September now appears realistic.

That would leave O’Hearn only a couple of weeks to contribute before the end of the regular season, but it is still encouraging considering there was initially some uncertainty over whether he would play again in 2026.

O'Hearn's absence has been significant. Despite missing more than five weeks across two separate IL stints this season, he still ranks second on the Pirates with 17 home runs and 69 RBI. He has hit .270/.334/.454 over 398 plate appearances after signing a two-year, $29 million deal last offseason.

Pittsburgh may not get O’Hearn back for long enough to change the course of their season, but his progress suggests the Pirates should at least get another look at one of their most productive hitters before the season ends.

Endy Rodríguez facing possible surgery after latest injury setback

Endy Rodríguez’s 2026 season may be in jeopardy as the Pirates continue evaluating the left hip issue that has kept him sidelined since Aug. 10.

Cherington said during his weekly radio appearance that surgery is among the options being considered for Rodríguez, with the Pirates expected to know more about his status later this week.

That possibility is especially concerning given Rodriguez’s lengthy injury history. The 26-year-old missed nearly all of 2024 following UCL and flexor tendon surgery, then had his 2025 season cut short by ulnar nerve transposition surgery. He has also dealt with a hand laceration and glute strain during the past two seasons.

The timing makes this latest setback particularly frustrating. Rodriguez appeared to be establishing himself offensively this season, batting .267/.373/.467 with seven home runs in 159 plate appearances and offering evidence that the former top prospect was beginning to translate his potential to the majors.

Now, instead of evaluating Rodríguez over the final month, the Pirates may again be left wondering when their catcher will be healthy enough to play.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow