{"id":253991,"date":"2026-07-28T19:47:19","date_gmt":"2026-07-28T19:47:19","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/253991\/"},"modified":"2026-07-28T19:47:19","modified_gmt":"2026-07-28T19:47:19","slug":"pirates-get-good-news-on-esmerlyn-valdez-injury","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/us-pa\/253991\/","title":{"rendered":"Pirates Get Good News on Esmerlyn Valdez Injury"},"content":{"rendered":"

PITTSBURGH \u2014 The Pittsburgh Pirates feared they may not have Esmerlyn Valdez for the long-term, but those fears subsided after recent news.<\/p>\n

The Pirates announced that Valdez suffered a contusion after getting hit by a pitch<\/a> in the 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park on July 27, which forced him to leave the game in the fourth inning.<\/p>\n

Tests done today showed no fracture on Valdez and he is day-to-day, with the Pirates practicing caution with their star rookie right fielder.<\/p>\n

Valdez looked like he was in immense pain after taking a 91 mph fastball from Diamondbacks right-handed starting pitcher Merrill Kelly, wincing and even shedding a tear before going into the dugout and then to get tested.<\/p>\n

Pirates Need Valdez in Lineup<\/p>\n

It’s great relief for the Pirates that they avoided the worst with Valdez, who has been sensational<\/a> over the past month and as a rookie.<\/p>\n

Valdez is slashing .290\/.386\/.702 for an OPS of 1.088 in 38 games, with 36 hits in 124 at-bats, seven doubles, one triple, 14 home runs, 36 RBI and 19 walks to 54 strikeouts.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/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

His best play started once first baseman Spencer Horwitz went down with a left hamstring injury, that forced Ryan O’Hearn to first baseman full-time and opened up right field for Valdez.<\/p>\n

Valdez took advantage of this, hitting a home run in each of four straight games from June 26-29, showing he was a serious part of the lineup and wasn’t going anywhere.<\/p>\n

His finest series came against the Milwaukee Brewers at PNC Park , where he hit a go-ahead grand slam in the first game of the doubleheader on July 11 and hit a solo home run prior, while driving in six RBI total in the 7-6 comeback win.<\/p>\n

Valdez also hit a two-run home run in the second game of the doubleheader, a 3-2 win, then drove in another RBI in the series finale, a 14-5 win, earning the sweep before the All-Star break.<\/p>\n

His 14 home runs through his 37 games ranks tied for fourth-most for any player in MLB history.<\/p>\n

What Pirates Players are Still Injured<\/p>\n

The Pirates have dealt with a slew of injuries<\/a> and Valdez not suffering a fracture is the best news they’ve gotten in some time. <\/p>\n

Pittsburgh just got catcher Endy Rodr\u00edguez back from a left glute injury, which saw him miss three weeks from July 5 to July 27.<\/p>\n

\"Pittsburgh<\/p>\n

Jun 29, 2026; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates catcher Endy Rodr\u00edguez (13) watches his three run home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the ninth inning at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect<\/p>\n

Horwitz could make his return soon, as the Pirates brought him back up from his rehab assignment<\/a>, but no official activation has been made yet. <\/p>\n

Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz is dealing with a left hand fracture, which has kept him out since June 8 and won’t have him back until Aug.7 at the earliest.<\/p>\n

Rookie shortstop Konnor Griffin<\/a> is also working back from a left hand injury, which should put him on track for a return in mid-September. <\/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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