(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates manager Don Kelly, center, watches as Esmerlyn Valdez, left, is examined by a team trainer, right, after being hit by a pitch from Arizona Diamondbacks’ Merrill Kelly during the fourth inning of a baseball game in Pittsburgh, Monday, July 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

(Pittsburgh, PA) Pittsburgh Pirates rookie outfielder Esmeryln Valdez was removed from the team’s game against the Arizona Diamondbacks at PNC Park last night after being hit in the left hand by a pitch from Diamondbacks starting pitcher Merrill Kelly in the fourth inning.

Valdez, who has 14 home runs in his limited playing time this season, took a 92 mph fastball from Kelly to the area around his left hand and wrist.

The 22-year-old Valdez winced in pain while he was being tended to by medical staff.

He slowly walked toward the Pirates dugout before being replaced by Jared Triolo.

Valdez’s recent performances has helped the Pirates stay in playoff contention despite injuries to some of their other key players like Oneil Cruz, Spencer Horwitz and Konnor Griffin.

Valdez has a hand injury and can be considered as day-to-day.

According to Kevin Gorman of Tribune-Review Sports, he is expected to undergo more imaging for this injury today.