Rookie RF Esmerlyn Valdez gives Pirates a heart-stopping moment after being hit by pitch - TribLIVE.com

What the report says

TribLIVE reported that Pittsburgh Pirates rookie right fielder Esmerlyn Valdez left Monday night’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park after being struck near the left hand and wrist by a pitch in the fourth inning. The pitch, a 1-1 fastball from Merrill Kelly, initially looked as if it may have hit Valdez’s forearm protection, but manager Don Kelly said it appeared to glance off and then catch him in the wrist area. Valdez was examined on the field by assistant athletic trainer Joel Harris before being removed for treatment.

The Pirates did not announce a postgame diagnosis, according to TribLIVE, and Valdez was expected to have additional imaging Tuesday. Second baseman Brandon Lowe, who later drove in the winning run in Pittsburgh’s 3-2, 10-inning victory, said teammates were hoping for positive news and that Valdez had been in good spirits after the game.

Valdez’s condition is significant because of how quickly he has become a key part of Pittsburgh’s lineup. TribLIVE reported that the 22-year-old entered with a .290/.386/.702 slash line, 14 home runs and 36 RBIs in 38 games, and had helped cover for injuries to Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin and Spencer Horwitz. Since taking over after Horwitz’s injury on June 24, Valdez had been batting .344 with a 1.241 OPS entering Monday.

If Valdez misses time, TribLIVE noted the Pirates could again reshuffle defensively, particularly if Horwitz returns from a hamstring-related injured list stint and Ryan O’Hearn moves back to right field. The injury scare comes as Pittsburgh pursues a National League wild-card spot and approaches the MLB trade deadline.