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The Pittsburgh Pirates<\/a>‘ last hope for clinching the final NL Wild Card spot could be helped by the return of rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin.\u00a0<\/p>\n The 20-year-old has been out with a finger injury since early July and was officially activated off the 60-day injury list ahead of Pittsburgh’s series with the Los Angeles Angels<\/a> on Friday.\u00a0<\/p>\n In a corresponding move, catcher Christian Bethancourt was designated for assignment.\u00a0<\/p>\n Griffin’s return to the Pirates’ lineup for the first time in two months should provide the team with a much-needed spark. The club enters the series with the Angels just five games out of the last NL Wild Card spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Even with the return of their franchise shortstop, the Pirates will need to go on a run to reach the postseason. That should start this weekend in Los Angeles.\u00a0<\/p>\n With roughly three weeks remaining in the regular season, the 69-72 Pirates sit grouped with several teams in the hunt for the final Wild Card spot.\u00a0<\/p>\n Griffin’s impact before the injury — slashing .276\/.331\/.404 across 59 games with five home runs and 20 stolen bases — certainly supplies the team with reason for optimism for his return, especially as the lineup has struggled against left-handed pitching.\u00a0<\/p>\n As Sports Illustrated’s Dominic Campbell<\/a> writes, “Griffin being that right-handed bat is also crucial, as the Pirates have struggled massively against left-handed pitching in 2026, 14-30 on the season and 6-13 after the All-Star break when a southpaw starts.” Griffin hit .298\/.339\/.439 against lefties.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Pirates have slugged .315 as a team and will benefit from Griffin’s extra-base tendencies. He had 10 doubles and a pair of triples before the injury. Pittsburgh was 31-28 with him in the lineup.\u00a0<\/p>\n Jared Triolo and Jacob Gonzalez have shared duties at shortstop in Griffin’s absence. The duo has struggled to a combined .220 batting average and .597 OPS.\u00a0<\/p>\n The team and Pirates manager Don Kelly will be happy to welcome their spark plug back on the field.\u00a0<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\nWill Konnor Griffin’s return be enough for the Pirates to make the postseason?<\/h2>\n