Arizona Fall League announces Week Two NFP Pitcher and Hitter of the Week

PHOENIX – The Arizona Fall League has announced its NFP Hitter and Pitcher of the Week for games from Oct. 14-19.

Hitter of the Week: Salt River Rafters OF Esmerlyn Valdez (PIT)

Pittsburgh’s Esmerlyn Valdez put together a historic week at the plate for Salt River. MLB Pipeline’s No. 15 Pirates prospect slashed .615/.727/1.846. Valdez led the AFL in total bases (24), home runs (5), slugging percentage (.727),ASo and OPS (2.573), while being tied for the league lead in hits (8). He also ranked second in batting average (.615), on-base percentage (.727), RBI (11), and walks (7). He capped off his week with a two-home run, 10-total base game at Goodyear Ballpark on Sunday. Valdez now has seven home runs in eight total games played, half the AFL record (14) set in 2005 by Brandon Wood.

Media Availability: Wednesday, Oct. 22, at 11:00 a.m. MST outside of the third-base dugout at Salt River Fields.

Pitcher of the Week: Scottsdale Scorpions RHP Anderson Brito (HOU)

Houston’s Anderson Brito completed three no-hit innings in his second AFL start on Friday, Oct. 17. Earning his first win, Brito struck out seven batters in a row from the first through the third innings. His eight total strikeouts are the most in an AFL appearance this season. MLB Pipeline’s No. 7 Astros prospect topped out at 98.9 mph, inducing six swinging strikeouts.