Pirates Rookie Konnor Griffin Takes Responsibility for Error

Griffin's defensive miscue contributed to loss against Nationals

Apr. 17, 2026 at 9:39am

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a baseball shortstop fielding a ground ball and making an errant throw, the player's body and the baseball field broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes and planes in vibrant colors.A young shortstop's defensive miscue underscores the challenges of transitioning to the big leagues, but his team's unwavering support signals a promising future.Today in Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh Pirates rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin took full responsibility for an error that contributed to the team's 8-7 loss in 10 innings against the Washington Nationals. Griffin, who is hitting .214 with a .602 OPS and 14 strikeouts in 13 games since being called up, said he tried to make a play but his back leg got stuck, causing the ball to slip out of his hand and allow a run to score.

Why it matters

Griffin's error highlights the challenges the young shortstop has faced in adjusting to Major League pitching and defense. As a top prospect, the Pirates are counting on Griffin to be a key part of their future, so his development and ability to learn from mistakes will be crucial for the team.

The details

In the loss to the Nationals, Griffin's error came as he tried to make a play for Pirates starter Braxton Ashcraft. Griffin said he fielded the ball and thought he had a chance to get a second out, but his back leg got stuck and caused him to lose control of the ball, allowing a run to score. The error was Griffin's second of the season in 104.1 innings at shortstop, and his defensive runs saved (-12) has also taken a hit since joining the big leagues.

  • On April 17, 2026, the Pittsburgh Pirates lost 8-7 to the Washington Nationals in 10 innings.

The players

Konnor Griffin

A 19-year-old rookie shortstop for the Pittsburgh Pirates who is hitting .214 with a .602 OPS and 14 strikeouts in 13 games since being called up.

Braxton Ashcraft

The starting pitcher for the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals, who said Griffin apologized to him after the game and that the team has '100 percent confidence' in the rookie.

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What they’re saying

“I'm trying to make a play for Braxton [Ascraft]. I fielded it, thought I had a chance to get a second. Turned to throw and my back leg got stuck under his, and at that point, I just tried to hold on to it, but it didn't help it slipped out of my hand and let a run score. So that's on me and we'll keep working on that.”

— Konnor Griffin, Pittsburgh Pirates Shortstop

“Never apologize. Nobody questions the effort. We all have anything but 100 percent confidence in Konnor Griffin.”

— Braxton Ashcraft, Pittsburgh Pirates Pitcher

What’s next

The Pittsburgh Pirates will play a three-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays starting on Friday, April 18, 2026.

The takeaway

Konnor Griffin's error in the loss to the Nationals highlights the challenges the young shortstop has faced in adjusting to Major League pitching and defense. However, his teammates and the organization remain confident in his abilities, and his development will be crucial for the Pirates' future.