Ahead of All-Star weekend, the MLB Futures Game took place on Saturday in Atlanta.
Pittsburgh Pirates top prospect Konnor Griffin started at shortstop for the National League team and hit second in the order. After grounding out and reaching first via swinging bunt in his first two trips to the plate, he was hit on the hand by a 97 mph sinker.
Griffin was removed from the game following the hit by pitch, but he assured fans he’s okay. He spoke to the media about his health after the game.
“It’s good. It’s perfect,” Griffin said. “I’ll take a few days off and get back rolling with [High-A] Greensboro.
Pirates fans can exhale after a scary couple of hours. Griffin is the top prospect in the system according to Baseball America, and is slated to become the top prospect in all of baseball when Boston Red Sox outfielder Roman Anthony accumulates enough playing time to graduate from prospect status.
Story continues below advertisement
Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez also played in the game. He went 0-1 with a flyout to center field.
More Pirates: Oneil Cruz’s Home Run Derby Opponent Hits For Cycle Against Pirates
Featured image via Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images