{"id":253408,"date":"2026-07-28T02:03:29","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T02:03:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/253408\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T02:03:29","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T02:03:29","slug":"pirates-esmerlyn-valdez-leaves-game-after-hit-by-pitch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/253408\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates\u2019 Esmerlyn Valdez Leaves Game After Hit By Pitch"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates have dealt with a number of injuries and may have yet another one to deal with.<\/p>\n

Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez departed the game vs. the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park on July 27 in the bottom of the fourth inning.<\/p>\n

Diamondbacks right-handed starting pitcher Merrill Kelly threw a 91.4 mph four-seam fastball inside that hit Valdez, with him immediately wincing in pain.<\/p>\n

The ball hit Valdez just before the hand in the left wrist area and both Pirates manager Don Kelly and a member of the medical staff checked on him. The Pirates announced that the ball did hit him on the left hand and that they will provide an update when available. <\/p>\n

Valdez couldn’t go on and even shed some tears and he went down into the dugout and to get checked further.<\/p>\n

Esmerlyn Valdez exited tonight’s game after being hit by a pitch in the hand\/wrist \u2b07\ufe0f pic.twitter.com\/fIOSrMU2HY<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) July 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Jared Triolo came in for Valdez as a pinch-runner and then Tyler Callihan<\/a> moved from first base to right field in the top of the fifth inning.<\/p>\n

What the Pirates Do if Valdez is Out Long-Term<\/p>\n

The Pirates have a few options they can turn to if Valdez misses a significant amount of time going forward.<\/p>\n

Pittsburgh could move Ryan O’Hearn<\/a> back to right field, especially if Spencer Horwitz returns in the near future and plays first base again.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Mar 30, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Ryan O’Hearn (29) catches a fly out hit by Cincinnati Reds outfielder Spencer Steer (not pictured) in the fourth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Callihan is one player that can feature in right field, but so too can fellow utility man Jared Triolo, although, it’s more likely he stays in the infield.<\/p>\n

The Pirates may also call up rookie Jhostynxon Garcia and use him in a variety of roles, particularly right field, if needed. <\/p>\n

Esmerlyn Valdez Having Fantastic Rookie Season<\/p>\n

Valdez has been incredible<\/a> for the Pirates as a rookie, batting .290\/.386\/.702 for an OPS of 1.088 in 38 games, with 36 hits, 26 runs scored, seven doubles, one triple, 14 home runs<\/a>, 36 RBI and 19 walks to 54 strikeouts. <\/p>\n

He hit a home run in his most recent game, a solo shot in the 8-7 win over the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park, marking 14 in 37 games, tied for the fourth-most of any MLB hitter in that span.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Jul 26, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) circles the bases on a solo home run against the Chicago Cubs during the second inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

His best play started with the series vs. the Cincinnati Reds at PNC Park, June 26-28, as he hit a home run in four straight games.<\/p>\n

Valdez eventually earned the starting right field role and has hit .344\/.444\/.822 for an OPS of 1.267 in 25 games, with 31 hits in 90 at-bats, five doubles, a triple, 12 home runs, and 30 RBI. <\/p>\n

Make sure to visit Pirates OnSI for the latest news, updates, interviews and insight on the Pittsburgh Pirates!<\/a><\/p>\n

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