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The Pittsburgh Pirates have struggled a bit this season after a promising start, but they're still within striking distance of a postseason spot.
However, that might not be the case for much longer, as they recently got some terrible news on Tuesday afternoon about Konnor Griffin.
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Griffin, the Pirates' superstar rookie, has a torn tendon in his left ring finger and could miss at least a month, if not more, if he doesn't try to play through it.
Pirates at risk of losing Konnor Griffin for over a month "Pittsburgh rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin has a torn tendon in his left ring finger, sources tell ESPN," Passan reports.
"While Griffin could play through it, rehab is the likeliest option and would keep him out at least a month." This update for the Pirates is a brutal one, as Griffin only recently returned to play from the injured list and was having a strong rookie season when he actually got on the field.
This season, Griffin has a .276 batting average with five homers, 25 RBIs, 62 hits, 10 doubles, two triples, and a .736 OPS in 225 at-bats across 59 games.
But now, the Pirates might be without their star shortstop for at least a month, if not more, depending on how his recovery goes.
While Passan notes Griffin could play through it, he's a 20-year-old rookie in his first big league season.
It would be foolish to try to force him to play through this injury.
The Pirates should sit him out for a while, and hope he can return to form for mid-to-late August and September's postseason push.
It's not like this is a season-ending issue, as Griffin would still have a chance to come back and suit up for the Pirates.
But, for now, it appears that the rookie shortstop might be out for quite a while this season as he recovers from this torn tendon in his left ring finger.
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