Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez injury update keeps Ben Cherington's trade deadline plan intact

The Pittsburgh Pirates got about the best possible news they could have hoped for on Esmerlyn Valdez after a frightening moment Monday against the Arizona Diamondbacks.

Valdez is considered day-to-day after being diagnosed with a contusion, and a battery of tests completed Tuesday showed no fracture. Given how concerning the injury initially appeared, that qualifies as a significant sigh of relief.

It also means general manager Ben Cherington doesn't have to suddenly rethink the Pirates’ entire trade deadline approach because of another unexpected hole in the lineup.

Valdez has emerged as one of the most important hitters in Pittsburgh’s lineup during his breakout rookie season, providing the kind of impact power the Pirates desperately needed. Losing him for an extended period would have created another immediate problem for a roster already trying to strengthen itself before the deadline.

Instead, the Pirates can continue operating under essentially the same set of priorities they had before Valdez went down.

Pirates avoid nightmare scanario with Esmerlyn Valdez injury update

Cherington already has enough areas to address without having to scramble for another outfielder or middle-of-the-order bat simply to replace Valdez. The bullpen remains the most obvious concern, particularly in high-leverage situations, and Pittsburgh could still stand to add another dependable hitter depending on what becomes available.

A serious Valdez injury could have changed that calculus dramatically, especially with Oneil Cruz and Konnor Griffin already on the IL. Rather than using prospect capital or payroll flexibility to improve an existing weakness, the Pirates might have been forced to spend resources simply replacing production they already had.

That is exactly the kind of last-minute complication that can derail a deadline plan. Fortunately, however, it doesn't appear Pittsburgh will have to deal with it.

There's still reason to be cautious until Valdez is back in the lineup and proves the contusion is no longer bothering him. Day-to-day doesn't necessarily mean he will immediately return without limitations, and the Pirates have no incentive to rush one of their most important young players back onto the field.

But there is a massive difference between managing a bruise for a few days and planning around a fracture that could sideline Valdez for weeks.

The Pirates entered deadline week needing to supplement a team that has played its way into contention, not replace one of the players responsible for getting them there. For now, they can keep it that way.

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