Overview
- The Pirates officially recalled Esmerlyn Valdez from Triple-A Indianapolis on Friday and optioned outfielder Billy Cook to Triple-A to open a roster spot.
- Valdez is a 22-year-old Dominican prospect who was added to Pittsburgh’s 40-man roster this offseason to protect him from the Rule 5 Draft.
- He arrives riding a power surge at Indianapolis, hitting .253/.381/.506 with 10 homers in 46 games and launching five homers in five games before the call-up.
- The team expects Valdez to provide right-handed corner-outfield, first-base and DH flexibility and he was listed to start in right field for the series in Toronto.
- The move doubles down on Pittsburgh’s accelerated youth push after this week’s Jhostynxon García call-up and could pressure veterans’ playing time if Valdez sustains production.