Esmerlyn Valdez Returns To Lineup

PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie slugger Esmerlyn Valdez is back in the lineup against the Arizona Diamondbacks a day after getting hit in the hand by a pitch. Valdez was forced from Monday night’s game after being hit on the left hand by a fastball. X-rays and other tests showed only a bruise, not broken bones. The 22-year-old right fielder is off to an outstanding start to his career. He is hitting .290 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs in 38 games to go with a 1.008 OPS.