Konnor Griffin's Return: A Boost for the Pirates or a Band-Aid Solution?
The Pittsburgh Pirates are set to activate shortstop Konnor Griffin from the injured list, marking a significant development in their season. Griffin, who has been sidelined since early July with a sagittal band injury in his left ring finger, is expected to begin a rehab assignment at Double-A Altoona today. This comes as a relief for the team, especially considering the struggles of their current shortstop replacements, Jared Triolo and Jacob Gonzalez.
Griffin's return is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, he provides the team with a player who has shown potential at the plate, with a .276/.332/.404 batting line in 247 plate appearances. His wRC+ of 101 indicates he is performing around league average, despite his young age of 20. However, his strikeout rate of 26.3% and walk rate of 6.5% are both below average, and his speed, while impressive with 20 stolen bases, may not be a significant advantage.
The Pirates' current record of 46-45 on July 6th has taken a hit since Griffin's injury, with a 20-26 record since. This has left them 6.5 games back of the final NL Wild Card spot, and their chances of making the playoffs are looking slim. Bringing Griffin back won't significantly impact their playoff chances, but it will provide him with valuable playing time before the end of the season.
The team's decision to bring Griffin back is further complicated by the fact that their 40-man roster is full. To make room for Griffin, they will need to make a corresponding move, likely placing Endy Rodriguez, who is out for seven to nine months following hip surgery, on the 60-day IL. This move will create a spot for Griffin, but it also highlights the team's limited options and the need for strategic roster management.
The Pirates' current shortstop replacements, Triolo and Gonzalez, have not been up to par. Triolo, while providing adequate defense, has a 76 wRC+ in 317 plate appearances, and Gonzalez, acquired in a minor trade on July 10th, has a wRC+ of just 45 in 96 plate appearances. Gonzalez's struggles are particularly concerning, with a .183/.198/.344 batting line and a minuscule 1.0% walk rate, making him 61% worse than the average hitter.
The team's options for addressing this situation are limited. They can option both players to the minors, but Triolo's lack of options in over a year makes this a less appealing option. Gonzalez, with his severe struggles at the plate, is more likely to be sent down to accommodate Griffin. Nick Yorke, with a .279 on-base percentage, is a more palatable backup option, but his performance is still not ideal.
In conclusion, Konnor Griffin's return is a necessary step for the Pirates, but it is not a panacea for their current struggles. The team's limited options and the need for strategic roster management highlight the challenges they face. As Griffin begins his rehab assignment, the team will need to carefully consider their next moves to improve their chances of success in the second half of the season.
