Overview
- Valdez exited Friday's game at Wrigley Field after grounding out and immediately showing limited ability to put weight on his left leg, and the Pirates said he was being examined and treated by club medical staff.
- Video and on-field reports showed Valdez limping and barely able to leave the field, behavior that the team summarized in an official left hamstring discomfort designation.
- Pittsburgh made in-game defensive shifts when Valdez left, with Billy Cook moving into the batting order and to center field, Jared Triolo shifting to right field, and Jacob Gonzalez entering at third base.
- If Valdez misses time the club's primary short-term options are bench outfielders Billy Cook and Jake Mangum or moving DH Ryan O'Hearn to a corner outfield spot, none of which replicate Valdez's power in the lineup.
- Valdez is a 22-year-old power threat who has hit 17 home runs and driven in 47 runs this season, and any multi-game absence could materially affect the Pirates' late-season pursuit of a National League playoff berth because his power is not easily replaced.