Bucs' offense dealt blow as Valdez (left hamstring strain) heads to IL

CHICAGO -- Just as the Pirates offense returned to full strength on Friday, it took another hit soon after. Pittsburgh rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez was placed on the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain on Saturday. Outfielder Ronny Simon was recalled from Triple-A Indianapolis.

Valdez exited Friday’s game in the sixth inning while running down the first-base line to beat out a ground ball. He came up limp, holding his left leg and needing heavy assistance to exit the field into the dugout.

“You look at the totality of the injuries that we've dealt with [Ryan] O'Hearn, [Oneil] Cruz, [Konnor] Griffin, Spencer [Horwitz], Endy [Rodríguez], and what guys like Valdez and [Jake] Mangum and [Jared] Triolo stepping up and finding a way to keep everything [together],” Pirates manager Don Kelly said. “What Valdez meant there at the end of the first half was hugely instrumental in us winning baseball games and has been a big part of it.

"Yes, have there been ups and downs? Absolutely, and there's going to be, especially with young players. But he's been a big part of our success this year, and just stinks to lose him here at the end.”

In his rookie campaign, Valdez has posted a .855 OPS with 17 home runs. His season featured a strong July, when he won NL Rookie of the Month honors and hit eight home runs.

Valdez is a native of San Juan La Maguana, Dominican Republic, and is just 22 years old while playing a key part in Pittsburgh’s offensive improvements.