Pittsburgh Pirates rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez exited Monday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being struck in the left hand by a pitch.
The incident occurred in the fourth inning at PNC Park.
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With two outs and a 1-1 count, Arizona right-hander Merrill Kelly threw a 91.4 mph fastball that hit Valdez.
The 22-year-old immediately showed signs of pain. He met with team trainers and manager Don Kelly before leaving the field for the clubhouse.
Jared Triolo entered as a pinch-runner. The team confirmed Valdez is undergoing examination by medical staff, according to the Post-Gazette.
Valdez has been a breakout star for Pittsburgh. Through his first 38 career games, he has batted .
292 with 14 home runs, 36 RBIs, and a 1.088 OPS. He has batted cleanup in 21 games this month.
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His potential absence adds to Pittsburgh's roster challenges. The Pirates are already without injured players Oneil Cruz, Spencer Horwitz, and Konnor Griffin.
Catcher Endy Rodriguez returned to the lineup Monday.
If Valdez misses extended time, Triple-A outfielder Jhostynxon Garcia is considered the top candidate for a call-up.
The game opened a series between two wild-card hopefuls.
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Arizona entered at 55-51 after a series loss to Washington, while Pittsburgh entered at 54-52 after snapping a three-game losing streak.
