Pirates News: Pitcher re-signs, Konnor Griffin High-A debut, U.S. Open

Pittsburgh Pirates v Minnesota Twins
Pittsburgh Pirates v Minnesota Twins | Brace Hemmelgarn/GettyImages

Just over a week after the Pittsburgh Pirates designated Tanner Rainey for assignment, the right-hander has reunited with the club on a minor-league deal and will report to Triple-A Indianapolis.

Rainey, who first signed a minor-league deal with the Pirates in the offseason, cleared waivers and elected free agency on June 4 after rejecting his outright assignment to Triple-A. Now, he returns to the Pirates organization on a new contract, with another potential opportunity to get back to the big leagues ahead of him.

The Pirates selected the 32-year-old Rainey to their roster in early May, and he spent almost a month in their big league bullpen as a middle reliever. He struck out 24.3% of his opponents, but he struggled with command and keeping the ball inside the park. If he can get back on the right track at Indianapolis, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him get another chance with the Pirates later this season.

Pirates News: Konnor Griffin shines with two doubles in High-A debut

Konnor Griffin, the Pirates' first-round draft pick in 2024 and No. 2 prospect behind pitcher Bubba Chandler, was exactly as advertised in his debut with High-A Greensboro on Tuesday.

Starting at shortstop and batting leadoff, Griffin went 2-for-5 with two doubles, a run scored and an RBI in Greensboro's 8-2 win over Rome (Atlanta Braves). The 19-year-old, playing in his first full season of pro ball, was promoted earlier this week after slashing .338/.396/.536 with nine home runs and 36 RBI through 50 games at Single-A Bradenton.

Pirates News: Paul Skenes, Pirates teammates visit U.S. Open

Pirates ace Paul Skenes, along with fellow pitchers Braxton Ashcraft, Mike Burrows, Caleb Ferguson, Tim Mayza, Kyle Nicolas and Chase Shugart, as well as infielders Adam Frazier and Jared Triolo, visited Oakmont Country Club Tuesday morning to take in a practice round at the 125th U.S. Open Golf Championship.

Later that evening, Australian golfer Min Woo Lee threw out the first pitch when the Pirates hosted the Miami Marlins at PNC Park. Lee is one of more than 150 golfers participating in this year's U.S. Open, which begins Thursday and lasts through Sunday at Oakmont, approximately 13 miles northeast of Pittsburgh's North Shore.

More Pirates content from Rum Bunter