The Pittsburgh Pirates will be opening the first of a three-game series with the Los Angeles Angels tonight. First pitch will take place at 3:45 p.m. PT/6:45 p.m. ET.
But this game marks a special return, with the team activating rookie sensation Konnor Griffin off the 60-day injured list. Griffin hasn't played for the Pirates in months, but he is making his return just in time for the stretch run of the season.
Ahead of the game, Pittsburgh has revealed the lineup for the opening contest against the Angels. Within this, Griffin will be hitting in the number six spot, giving him a perfect chance to drive in some runs.
For the season, Griffin has hit .276 with five home runs, 25 RBIs, and 20 stolen bases in just 59 games. Unfortunately, Griffin has seen himself be placed on the injured list a few times this season, but the team is hopeful that he can remain healthy over the final few weeks.
The Pirates are battling for a potential playoff spot, sitting five games back of the final wild-card spot entering Friday's slate of games. While the chances for the Pirates are considered low right now, this team does have the firepower to go on a run.
There are 21 games left on the Pirates' schedule, with the team holding a record of 69-72 for the year. If the team is going toi make a run, there needs to be a sense of urgency right away, starting with this series against the Angels.
With how strong the starting rotation can be, Pittsburgh could look to make a late-season push. And with Griffin back in the fold, anything is possible.
"It's been driving me nuts watching the games on my phone," said Griffin . "It'll be fun to finally be back in there competing."
The Pirates currently have the longest active playoff drought in the NL, making these next few weeks even more intense. The last time that Pittsburgh made the postseason came back in 2015, but the group of players wants to end the drought.
It will take everything that the Pirates have to make this a reality, but stacking wins against teams like the Angels could help. Of course, Pittsburgh will need some help from teams ahead of them, such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, San Diego Padres, Miami Marlins, and more.
But overall, this team has a decent shot, if they can play consistent baseball.
