Pirates' Jack Brannigan promotion already comes with one frustrating catch

Once again, Jared Triolo is about to get an opportunity that feels familiar, predictable and, frankly, a little frustrating.

With Konnor Griffin sidelined again — this time because of a finger issue that could cost him eight to 10 weeks, maybe longer — the Pittsburgh Pirates have another temporary hole at shortstop. And based on how they handled Griffin’s first injury absence, Triolo is almost certainly going to get the bulk of those reps.

In fairness, Triolo hit .234 with a .337 OBP in June and reached base in 20 games during the month. He’s also off to a solid start in July, hitting .294. There's also value in his defense, his versatility and his ability to grind out plate appearances.

But there is also a ceiling here, and the Pirates should know it by now.

Triolo has 10 doubles and one home run in 171 at-bats this season, with a .316 slugging percentage and .628 OPS. He is a useful bench piece and a good player to have on a roster. He is not, however, someone the Pirates should be treating like an everyday answer when a higher-upside option is sitting right there.

That is what makes Jack Brannigan’s promotion so interesting — and immediately frustrating.

Pirates' Jack Brannigan promotion means very little as long as Jared Triolo remains an everyday starter

Brannigan was called up from Triple-A Indianapolis and could theoretically get a chance to show what he can do at the big league level. He is 5-for-19 since joining Indianapolis, and while that is obviously a tiny sample, this is exactly the type of situation where the Pirates should be willing to learn something.

Griffin is out, and the infield is unsettled. The Pirates need energy, upside and more than just the safest possible choice. Instead, it already feels like Brannigan’s promotion is merely ceremonial. He's here, but he may not actually get a real opportunity.

The Pirates also have other options that make their infield picture flexible. Nick Gonzales can play shortstop. Tyler Callihan can play third. Enmanuel Valdez is tearing up Triple-A, coming off International League Player of the Week honors with a .794 OPS, 14 doubles and 10 home runs. He brings a left-handed bat and defensive flexibility at all three bases.

But none of them are Konnor Griffin, and that's the real problem. Even at 20 years old, even just 59 games into his major league career, Griffin is not replaceable on this roster. His power, athleticism and presence change the entire complexion of Pittsburgh's lineup.

The Pirates may not be able to replace Griffin, but they can at least use his absence to find out what they have in Brannigan. Instead, all signs point toward the same old answer: more Triolo. Useful, dependable, limited Triolo.

And for a team that should be trying to raise its ceiling, settling for the safe option feels like the wrong move.

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