Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez was forced to leave Monday night's game against the Arizona Diamondbacks after being struck by a pitch on his hand and wrist area.
The incident occurred in the fourth inning at Pittsburgh, with the game still scoreless. Valdez was hit by a 1-1 pitch thrown by Diamondbacks starter Merrill Kelly.
Valdez immediately showed signs of pain near home plate, prompting the team trainer and manager to examine him.
He was replaced on base by pinch-runner Jared Triolo, who was later picked off to end the inning.
The 22-year-old outfielder has made a significant impact in his first 38 major league games, posting a .
290 batting average with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs. He also has a .
382 on-base percentage and a 1.084 OPS.
Valdez has been particularly hot at the plate, batting .
406 in June and hitting eight home runs in July as part of 12 extra-base hits across 75 at-bats.
Further evaluation on the severity of the injury has not yet been provided.
