The Pirates announced a six-to-eight week injury return timeline for O’Hearn, which puts him on track to come back Sept. 11-25.<\/p>\n
It’s bad news for a Pirates team that has dealt with injuries, but they’ll have to figure out how to deal with O’Hearn’s absence.<\/p>\n
Where Pirates Turn To After O’Hearn Injury<\/p>\n
The Pirates are anticipating Spencer Horwitz to return soon, who hasn’t played since June 24, dealing with a left hamstring injury and more recently a concussion<\/a>.<\/p>\n Horwitz is fully healthy from his hamstring, but suffered that concussion after getting hit in the helmet<\/a> with a pitch in his last game on his rehab assignment with Single-A Bradenton on July 25. <\/p>\n Jun 20, 2026; Denver, Colorado, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates first baseman Spencer Horwitz (2) rounds the bases on a solo home run in the first inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n He will take over first base fully when he returns, but there are some other options the Pirates have at the position.<\/p>\n The Pirates went with rookie Rafael Flores Jr. at first base in the following game vs. the Reds on Aug. 1, a 4-1 win. <\/p>\n Pittsburgh had just gotten Flores back, after he missed the past week<\/a> with a concussion on the 7-day injured list, activating him ahead of the game.<\/p>\n Flores is one option, as he can also play catcher, but with O’Hearn out, it’s likely he gets a few more shots at first base.<\/p>\n The Pirates have other options at first base that Pirates manager Don Kelly mentioned pre-game, which include both utility man Jared Triolo and infielder Jacob Gonzales. <\/p>\n “Flores, we’ve got a bunch of guys that can play over there,” Kelly said. “We saw Endy there yesterday. Triolo, Jacob Gonzalez, Spencer. Hopefully when Spence comes back, he’s going to get a lot of time over there.”<\/p>\n Pirates Already Have Right Field Replacement<\/p>\n The Pirates originally had O’Hearn in right field to start the season, but he moved back to his natural position of right field<\/p>\n Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez<\/a> has solidified his role in right field, as he’s hit incredibly well and also played solid defense. <\/p>\n Jul 20, 2026; Bronx, New York, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) hits a two run home run during the third inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n Valdez has hit .268\/.365\/.641 for an OPS of 1.006 in 43 games, with 38 hits in 142 at-bats, nine doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 38 RBI and 22 walks to 57 strikeouts.<\/p>\n He has provided the Pirates a right-handed power bat and put himself in some serious MLB history with his 14 home runs, making him a feared hitter at just 22 years old. <\/p>\n The Pirates best outfield is Valdez in right field, Oneil Cruz<\/a> in center field when he returns from injury and Bryan Reynolds in left field. <\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01kz00f52hpwntrf2sge.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
<\/p>\n![\"Pittsburgh](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/01kz01hp1xsyah5j3sh4.jpg\" "\\"Pittsburgh")
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