PITTSBURGH (AP) — Pittsburgh Pirates rookie outfielder Esmeryln Valdez has been removed from a game against Arizona after being hit in the left hand by a pitch. Valdez, who has 14 homers in limited playing time this season, took a 92 mph fastball from Diamondbacks right-hander Merrill Kelly to the area around his left hand and wrist. The 22-year-old Valdez winced in pain while being tended to by medical staff. He walked slowly toward the Pittsburgh dugout and was replaced by Jared Triolo. Valdez’s emergence has helped the Pirates stay in playoff contention despite injuries to other key players.