Pirates News: Esmerlyn Valdez injury concern, trade for Orioles outfielder, Josh Harrison

The Pittsburgh Pirates are awaiting more information on rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez after he exited Monday night’s 3-2 win over the Arizona Diamondbacks with a left hand injury.

Valdez was hit near the wrist by a 92 mph fastball from Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly. The 22-year-old was visibly in pain while being examined by Pittsburgh’s medical staff before slowly leaving the field. Jared Triolo replaced him.

Pirates manager Don Kelly didn't have an immediate update after the game, and Valdez is expected to undergo additional imaging Tuesday morning after presumably receiving initial X-rays Monday night.

The uncertainty is especially concerning given Valdez’s breakout rookie season. He has already hit 14 home runs and driven in 36 runs through his first 37 major-league games. For now, Valdez should be considered day-to-day pending further testing.

Pirates trade for recently DFA'd Orioles outfielder Johnathan Rodríguez

The Pirates added some much-needed outfield depth Monday, acquiring Johnathan Rodríguez from the Baltimore Orioles for cash considerations.

Rodríguez, who was designated for assignment by Baltimore a few days ago, has been optioned to Triple-A Indianapolis. To clear a spot on the 40-man roster, the Pirates designated catcher Shawn Ross for assignment. Pittsburgh also reinstated catcher Endy Rodríguez from the 10-day injured list, with Ross’ DFA opening the necessary active roster spot.

Johnathan Rodríguez, 26, has appeared in parts of three major-league seasons with Cleveland and Baltimore but has struggled offensively, batting .177/.288/.301 across 132 plate appearances.

His minor-league production has been significantly stronger. Rodríguez owns a .295/.386/.508 slash line across 1,337 Triple-A plate appearances over four seasons, giving Pittsburgh another optionable outfielder to stash in Indianapolis.

The move provides useful depth with Oneil Cruz still injured and the trade deadline one week away. Before the acquisition, Jhostynxon García was Pittsburgh’s only healthy outfielder on the 40-man roster who wasn't already in the majors.

Adding Rodríguez for cash also gives the Pirates additional flexibility should García or another depth piece become involved in a deadline trade, without sacrificing a prospect simply to replenish the outfield depth chart.

Pirates to honor Josh Harrison with special retirement ceremony at PNC Park

Josh Harrison will officially retire as a member of the Pirates next month, with the organization planning a celebration for one of the most popular players from its 2013-15 playoff teams.

The Pirates announced that Harrison will officially retire as a Pirate on Aug. 7 before being honored in a pregame ceremony Aug. 8 ahead of Pittsburgh’s game against the New York Mets at PNC Park. Harrison will throw out the ceremonial first pitch, and the first 20,000 fans in attendance will receive a commemorative T-shirt.

Acquired from the Chicago Cubs in 2009, Harrison spent the first eight seasons of his 13-year major-league career with Pittsburgh. He hit .277 with 73 home runs, 91 stolen bases and 773 hits during his time with the Pirates.

Harrison’s best season came in 2014, when he finished second in the National League batting race with a .315 average while adding 13 homers and 18 steals. He earned the first of his two career All-Star selections that season.

Known for his versatility and memorable baserunning escapes, Harrison played five different positions for Pittsburgh. He last appeared in the majors with Philadelphia in 2023.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow