Pirates Receive Esmeryn Valdez Update on Tuesday

Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Pirates Receive Esmeryn Valdez Update on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Miracle Dimwesh | Last updated Jul 28, 2026 3:03 PM ET

The Pittsburgh Pirates avoided a potentially devastating injury Tuesday after imaging on rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez revealed no fracture in his left hand.

According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Colin Beazley, Valdez was diagnosed with a left hand contusion and is considered day-to-day after leaving Monday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks. The encouraging update keeps one of baseball's hottest young hitters in line to return sooner rather than later.

Valdez exited Pittsburgh's 3-2 extra-inning win in the fourth inning after being hit on the left hand by a 91.4 mph fastball from Arizona starter Merrill Kelly. He immediately left the field with the Pirates' training staff before undergoing further evaluation.

Good Pirates news: Esmerlyn Valdez is day-to-day with a hand contusion. Tests today showed no fracture.
— Colin Beazley (@colin_beazley) July 28, 2026

The timing of the injury scare couldn't have been worse for Pittsburgh. The Pirates improved to 55-52 with Monday's victory, remaining tied with the Diamondbacks for the final National League Wild Card spot as the postseason race tightens.

Since making his major league debut on May 22, Valdez has emerged as one of the league's biggest surprises. The 22-year-old is batting .290/.386/.702 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs in just 38 games while helping stabilize a lineup that has dealt with injuries to Spencer Horwitz, Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin.

Pittsburgh Pirates right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

Valdez's production has placed him in rare company. His 14 home runs and 36 RBIs through his first 38 career games rank among the strongest starts by a rookie power hitter in the modern era.

With the trade deadline approaching and Pittsburgh firmly in the playoff hunt, avoiding a long-term absence from Valdez is a significant boost. The Pirates will continue monitoring his condition, but Tuesday's diagnosis gives the club hope that one of its most productive bats won't miss extended time.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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