Pirates Injury Update: Konnor Griffin status, Ryan O'Hearn timeline, Nick Gonzales

The Pittsburgh Pirates received a largely positive injury update on Friday, though rookie sensation Konnor Griffin will remain limited for the immediate future.

Griffin underwent imaging that revealed a low-grade flexor muscle strain in his right forearm. The 20-year-old shortstop has been cleared to hit but is currently unable to throw. According to director of sports medicine Todd Tomczyk, Griffin will be reassessed early next week when the Pirates travel to Houston.

While forearm injuries can often raise concerns about elbow issues, the Pirates appear optimistic that Griffin avoided anything more serious. Griffin will still be in the lineup as the designated hitter in Friday night's series opener against the Minnesota Twins after also being available as a pinch-runner on Thursday.

The rookie expressed concern earlier in the week that his elbow was not recovering as expected following Wednesday's game against the Cubs. The Pirates held him out of Thursday's lineup as a precaution before further testing identified the strain.

Griffin has been one of Pittsburgh's most exciting players this season, batting .261 with a .716 OPS through his first 49 major-league games. Earlier this week, he became the youngest Pirates player to bat leadoff since 1952.

Pirates Injury Update: Nick Gonzales returning to lineup vs Twins

The news on second baseman Nick Gonzales was considerably more encouraging.

Gonzales exited Thursday's game against the Chicago Cubs after experiencing discomfort in his left knee. The injury stemmed from a foul ball he hit off his leg during Wednesday night's loss to the Cubs.

Despite a noticeable limp while running out of the batter's box, Tomczyk said Gonzales is already feeling "90 to 95 percent healthy," and he will start at third base and bat cleanup in Friday's game against Minnesota.

The Pirates also received positive developments regarding two important injured veterans.

Pirates Injury Update: Ryan O'Hearn nearing return from 10-day IL, Joey Bart making progress

First baseman Ryan O'Hearn appears to be nearing a return after being placed on the 10-day injured list with a right quad strain on May 17. Tomczyk said O'Hearn is now "completely asymptomatic" and has resumed all baseball activities. His return is expected to be measured in days rather than weeks.

Before suffering the injury, O'Hearn was one of Pittsburgh's most productive hitters, slashing .289/.368/.459 with seven home runs and 29 RBIs in 44 games.

Meanwhile, catcher Joey Bart continues to make progress in his recovery from a left foot infection. Bart has resumed weight room activities and is playing light catch. The Pirates hope he can begin both running and hitting progressions next week after another evaluation in Houston.

With O'Hearn nearing a return and Gonzales trending in the right direction, the Pirates could soon get several important contributors back despite Griffin's temporary setback.

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