(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez (55) can’t make the catch on Toronto Blue Jays Kazuma Okamoto double during the second inning of a baseball game in Toronto on Sunday, May 24, 2026. (Frank Gunn/The Canadian Press via AP)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Pirates announced they optioned outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez to Triple-A Indianapolis ahead of yesterday’s series finale against the Chicago Cubs at PNC Park. 

Valdez joined the Pirates on May 22 before the team’s series against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre and spent six days with the major league club. 

He hit his first Major League home run in a 4-1 victory over Toronto on Sunday, a two-run shot in the seventh inning. Valdez added his second career home run — and his first at PNC Park — during the Pirates’ 12-1 win over the Cubs on Tuesday.

Valdez started five of the Pirates’ previous six games in right field and recorded two hits in 16 at-bats with two walks and nine strikeouts.