Esmerlyn Valdez Returns to Pirates Lineup After Pitch Injury

Esmerlyn Valdez, the Pittsburgh Pirates’ rising rookie slugger, suffered a left‑hand bruise after being struck by a pitch on Monday. Team physicians assessed the injury as minor and cleared her to play.

She returned to the field on Tuesday against the Arizona Diamondbacks, recording two hits in five at‑bats. The comeback could boost the Pirates’ offensive depth early in the season.