Injury Blow for Pirates as Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez Exits Game

Valdez Forced Out of Cubs Game

The Pittsburgh Pirates suffered a tough blow on Friday when rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez was forced to leave the game against the Chicago Cubs. Valdez appeared to injure his left leg during the sixth inning of the matchup.

The injury happened while Valdez was running hard to first base on a ground ball. Chicago shortstop Nico Hoerner managed to throw him out at first. Immediately after the play, Valdez grabbed the back of his left leg.

He was unable to walk off the field under his own power. Instead, the rookie had to limp toward the dugout with his arms draped over the shoulders of the team's training staff.

Defensive Trouble Follows Exit

Billy Cook came into the game to replace Valdez in right field. The change in the outfield had an immediate impact on the play on the field.

On the very first play in the bottom half of the sixth inning, Cubs batter Seiya Suzuki hit a fly ball toward right field. Cook misjudged the ball, allowing it to drop. The mistake resulted in a triple for Suzuki.

Valdez has been a solid contributor for Pittsburgh this season. The 22 year old made his major league debut earlier this year on May 22 in a game at Toronto. Before his injury, he was batting .235 with 17 home runs and 47 RBIs through 71 games.

More Pirates Roster Changes

The injury to Valdez adds to a busy week of roster moves for the Pirates. On Thursday, Pittsburgh had to place All Star right handed pitcher Braxton Ashcraft on the 15 day injured list. Ashcraft, who has 14 wins and 6 losses and has been one of the best breakout pitchers in the majors this year, is dealing with arm discomfort.

There was some good news for the team on Friday, however. The Pirates activated infielder and outfielder Ryan O'Hearn from the 10 day injured list. O'Hearn had been sidelined since July 31 with a strained left quad.