Trending Now - Pirates Promote Power Hitter E. Valdez to Major League Roster

WHO:

MLB.com - Esmerlyn Valdez is a 22-year-old outfield prospect for the Pittsburgh Pirates.

MLB.com - Jason Mackey is a Pirates Insider who reported the call-up.

MLB.com - Ryan O’Hearn is a player who landed on the 10-day IL with a strained right quad.

MLB.com - Braxton Ashcraft is a starting pitcher for the Pirates.

WHAT:

MLB.com - The Pirates are calling up Esmerlyn Valdez to their Major League roster.

MLB.com - Valdez is hitting .253/.381/.506 with 10 home runs in 46 games for Triple-A Indianapolis this year.

MLB.com - Valdez was named the organization’s Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year after leading the Minor League system with 26 home runs in 2025.

MLB.com - Valdez hit five home runs in his last five games at Triple-A.

MLB.com - The Pirates won their game against the Cardinals 6-2.

MLB.com - Braxton Ashcraft completed seven innings, striking out nine and allowing four hits and two walks.

MLB.com - The Pirates are averaging 4.96 runs per game, ranking sixth in the Majors.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The game against the Cardinals took place at Busch Stadium.

MLB.com - The Pirates will meet the Blue Jays in Toronto.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The Pirates will play the Blue Jays on Friday night.

WHY:

MLB.com - The call-up of Valdez is in response to Ryan O’Hearn's injury, which necessitates adjustments in the lineup.

HOW:

MLB.com - Valdez was signed as an international free agent out of the Dominican Republic in 2021.

MLB.com - Ashcraft's performance is helping to ease the burden on the bullpen by providing quality starts.

(UPDATED May 22, 2026 06:22 UTC)

The Pittsburgh Pirates are calling up 22-year-old outfield prospect Esmerlyn Valdez to their Major League roster in response to Ryan O’Hearn's injury, which has put him on the 10-day injured list with a strained right quad. Valdez has been impressive at Triple-A Indianapolis, hitting .253 with ten home runs this season and recently earned the organization’s Willie Stargell Slugger of the Year award after leading the Minor League system with 26 home runs in 2025. The Pirates are set to face the Blue Jays in Toronto on Friday night, following their recent victory over the Cardinals, where Braxton Ashcraft delivered a strong performance, completing seven innings with nine strikeouts.