Pirates Get Good News on Esmerlyn Valdez Injury

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Pirates feared they may not have Esmerlyn Valdez for the long-term, but those fears subsided after recent news.

The Pirates announced that Valdez suffered a contusion after getting hit by a pitch 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.

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.

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.

It's great relief for the Pirates that they avoided the worst with Valdez, who has been sensational over the past month and as a rookie.

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.

The Pirates have dealt with a slew of injuries and Valdez not suffering a fracture is the best news they've gotten in some time.