Overview
- Griffin, who debuted Friday at PNC Park, ripped an RBI double in his first at-bat, drew a walk, scored, and helped Pittsburgh edge Baltimore 5-4.
- At 19, he became the youngest shortstop to debut since Alex Rodriguez in 1994, joining a short list of teenagers with an extra-base hit and RBI in a debut, per Sarah Langs.
- Pittsburgh had sent him to Triple-A late in spring to tighten his plate discipline, and he hit .438 in five games to earn a quick recall for the home opener.
- ESPN’s Buster Olney reported the sides are finalizing a nine-year, $140 million extension, which has not yet been announced by the team.
- He batted seventh to ease pressure, played a clean shortstop, and gives a lineup seeking more punch a potential cornerstone to pair with a young rotation led by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes.