Pirates rookie outfielder Esmeryln Valdez leaves game with hand injury

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PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pirates rookie outfielder Esmeryln Valdez was removed from Pittsburgh's 3-2 win against Arizona on Monday night after being hit in the left hand by a pitch.

Valdez, who has 14 homers in limited playing time this season, took a 92 mph fastball from Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly that smacked into the area around his left wrist.

The 22-year-old Valdez, who entered Monday with 24 RBIs in July, winced in pain while being tended to by medical staff. He walked slowly toward the Pittsburgh dugout and was replaced by Jared Triolo.

Pirates manager Don Kelly had no immediate update on Valdez's status following the game. Valdez was in the clubhouse afterward but was not made available to reporters.

“I know it’s an uncertain time for him,” Pittsburgh second baseman Brandon Lowe said. “We’re praying that he gets the best news possible.”

Valdez's emergence has helped the Pirates stay in playoff contention despite injuries to outfielder Oneil Cruz, shortstop Konnor Griffin and first baseman Spencer Horwitz. Valdez is one of six players since RBIs became an official statistic in 1920 to have at least 14 home runs and 36 RBIs in his first 37 games.

“He's been playing great in right field — it's not just the home runs,” Lowe said. “He's taking really mature at-bats. He's been fantastic for us."

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