Pittsburgh Pirates rookie slugger Esmerlyn Valdez was back in the lineup Tuesday night against the Arizona Diamondbacks, just a day after being struck on the left hand by a pitch. The incident occurred Monday night when a fastball from Arizona's Merrill Kelly hit Valdez. Fortunately, X-rays and subsequent tests revealed only a bruise, with no broken bones.

Valdez, a 22-year-old right fielder, has been a standout performer for the Pirates. He is currently batting .290 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs through 38 games, boasting an impressive 1.008 OPS. Valdez expressed his initial fear, "I was afraid something was wrong and I got scared a little bit," adding, "That was the first time the ball hit me there."

Valdez's rapid development has been a significant boost for the Pirates, helping them remain in playoff contention amidst injuries to key players like Oneil Cruz, Konnor Griffin, and Spencer Horwitz. His early success places him among an elite group of players since 1920, achieving at least 14 home runs and 36 RBIs in their initial 37 games.