Pirates' Jack Brannigan Injured in Spring Training Game

Third baseman leaves game after being struck by batted ball, team evaluating extent of injury

Feb. 23, 2026 at 9:34am

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The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that third baseman Jack Brannigan left a Grapefruit League game against the Philadelphia Phillies after being struck by a batted ball. Local and Pirates medical staff are currently examining Brannigan, and the team will provide an update once more information is available. Brannigan has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, missing significant time in 2024 and 2025 due to a torn labrum and shoulder surgery.

Why it matters

Brannigan is a key prospect in the Pirates' system, and the team will be hoping this latest injury is not serious. Injuries have hampered his development over the past few seasons, and the Pirates will need him healthy to contribute at the major league level.

The details

In the Spring Training game against the Phillies, Brannigan was struck by a batted ball and had to leave the game. He was replaced at third base by minor leaguer Jesus Castillo. Brannigan missed a significant portion of the 2025 season due to a torn labrum and subsequent shoulder surgery, and the Pirates will be closely monitoring his recovery and progress this spring.

  • Brannigan left the game against the Phillies on February 23, 2026.
  • He missed most of the 2025 season due to injury, going on the 7-day injured list on June 14 and the full season injured list on July 21.

The players

Jack Brannigan

A third baseman in the Pittsburgh Pirates' minor league system, Brannigan was a third-round draft pick in 2022 out of Notre Dame. He has struggled with injuries over the past few seasons, missing significant time in 2024 and 2025.

Jesus Castillo

A minor league player in the Pirates' system who took over for Brannigan at third base in the Spring Training game against the Phillies.

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What’s next

The Pirates will provide an update on the extent of Brannigan's injury once the medical evaluation is complete.

The takeaway

Brannigan's injury history is a concern for the Pirates, as he has struggled to stay healthy over the past few seasons. The team will be closely monitoring his recovery and progress this spring, as they hope to have him healthy and contributing at the major league level in the near future.