Pirates Injury Updates: Griffin to Start Rehab, Jones Optimistic After Scare

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Shortstop Konnor Griffin is taking a big step in the right direction in returning to the Pirates.

Griffin, who was placed on the 10-day injured list with a right forearm strain on May 31, will begin a rehab assignment with Double-A Altoona on Wednesday. At this time, there is not yet a timeline for how long Griffin’s rehab assignment will last.

Griffin totaled 51 games with the Pirates to begin his big-league career prior to getting injured. The 20-year-old hit .270/.327/.402 with nine doubles, two triples, four home runs and 14 stolen bases. He played 49 games at short with a .967 fielding percentage and three defensive runs saved.

In Griffin’s absence, Jared Triolo has served as the primary starting shortstop.

Jared Jones Optimistic​

The Pirates had a scare with Jared Jones on Sunday in Colorado when the starting pitcher was struck by a line drive on his surgically-repaired right elbow before leaving the game.

The imaging on Jones’ elbow came back negative, and the right-hander played catch at PNC Park on Tuesday, according to Pirates Director of Sports Medicine Todd Tomczyk.

“He was seen by our team physicians back in Pittsburgh (on Monday). Subsequent imaging confirmed the initial diagnosis of a contusion,” said Tomczyk. “We’ll continue to take this day to day. Jared’s optimistic with how he felt initially today in preparation of his next start.”

No determination has been made on whether Jones will make his next scheduled start on Saturday against the Reds, but if he feels good after a bullpen session on Wednesday, there is optimism he will be able to take the mound.

Additional Updates​

• OF Oneil Cruz (left hand fourth and fifth metacarpal non-displaced fractures) is healing well. He’s cleared to begin some gripping activities this week. The Pirates are hopeful he begins to swing a bat later this week.
• RHP Wilber Dotel (right lat strain) threw a 30-pitch bullpen at PNC Park on Tuesday. The Pirates will monitor how he recovers and will have conversations about getting him back into some sort of game activity this weekend. No determination on if that will be a rehab assignment.
• RHP Chris Devenski (undisclosed illness) has thrown to side sessions in the past week. The Pirates anticipate he’ll continue that side progression and begin throwing live batting practices sometime next week.
• LHP Hunter Barco was placed on the seven-day injured list with left elbow inflammation. He will be shutdown from throwing for 5-7 days. The ligament is not currently an issue, so the Pirates are optimistic they’ve avoided a serious injury with Barco.
• INF/OF Nick Yorke fractured his right middle finger after being hit by a pitch. It’s a non-surgical injury, but he will be in a splint for about a month before ramping back up after that.

The post Pirates Injury Updates: Griffin to Start Rehab, Jones Optimistic After Scare appeared first on Pittsburgh Baseball Now.

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