Pirates’ O’Hearn sidelined 6–8 weeks with quad strain
Pirates place Ryan O’Hearn on the 10-day IL with a left quad strain and he expects to miss six to eight weeks, a major blow as Pittsburgh battles for a Wild Card. O’Hearn has been a key middle-of-the-order bat (/.270, 17 HR) across 1B/RF/DH, and his absence complicates a lineup already thin with injuries. The Pirates also acquired Camilo Doval to bolster the bullpen; Rafael Flores Jr. was recalled to take O’Hearn’s roster spot, and Isaac Mattson was recalled while Antwone Kelly was optioned. With Spencer Horwitz, Oneil Cruz, and Konnor Griffin also sidelined (Cruz expected back in early August, Griffin in early September), Pittsburgh will lean on reinforcements as Esmerlyn Valdez continues to drive offense.
