Pirates’ Esmerlyn Valdez Leaves Game After Hit By Pitch

The Pittsburgh Pirates lost a top bat in their lineup vs. the Diamondbacks.

Jul 19, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the ninth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates have dealt with a number of injuries and may have yet another one to deal with.

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.

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.

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.

Valdez couldn't go on and even shed some tears and he went down into the dugout and to get checked further.

Esmerlyn Valdez exited tonight's game after being hit by a pitch in the hand/wrist ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/fIOSrMU2HY

— SportsNet Pittsburgh (@SNPittsburgh) July 27, 2026

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

What the Pirates Do if Valdez is Out Long-Term

The Pirates have a few options they can turn to if Valdez misses a significant amount of time going forward.

Pittsburgh could move Ryan O'Hearn back to right field, especially if Spencer Horwitz returns in the near future and plays first base again.

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

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.

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

Esmerlyn Valdez Having Fantastic Rookie Season

Valdez has been incredible 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, 36 RBI and 19 walks to 54 strikeouts.

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.

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

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.

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.

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