Pittsburgh Pirates Name Two Top Prospects to Futures Game Amid Injury Concerns

The Pittsburgh Pirates announced that right‑handed pitcher Seth Hernandez and outfielder Edward Florentino will represent the club at the MLB Futures Game during All‑Star Week on July 12 at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia. Hernandez, the team's No. 1 prospect, posted a 1.12 ERA with 50 strikeouts over 28 innings in the minors and became the first minor‑league pitcher this season to reach 100 strikeouts. Florentino, the No. 2 prospect, split time between Single‑A Bradenton and High‑A Greensboro, tallying significant RBIs and 48 stolen bases.

Separately, the Pirates placed catcher Rafael Flores Jr. on the taxi squad, a move that could signal a pending injured‑list stint for regular catcher Endy Rodríguez, who left a recent game with left‑side discomfort. Rodríguez has been posting a .260/.388/.470 slash line with five home runs in 122 plate appearances. The club also dealt with a setback to rookie Konnor Griffin, who is expected to miss eight to ten weeks after a finger injury. These roster developments come as Pittsburgh strives to stay competitive in the playoff race.