Pirates rookie outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez was removed after being hit in the left hand by a 92‑mph fastball from Diamondbacks right‑hander Merrill Kelly. He took the pitch near his left wrist and was tended to by medical staff.

The 22-year-old Esmerlyn Valdez had 24 RBIs in July and 14 homers in limited playing time this season. He winced in pain and walked slowly toward the Pittsburgh dugout before being replaced by Jared Triolo.

Valdez’s emergence has kept the Pirates in playoff contention despite injuries to outfielder Oneil Cruz, shortstop Konnor Griffin and first baseman Spencer Horwitz. He is one of six players since 1920 to have at least 14 homers and 36 RBIs in the first 37 games.

The incident highlights the risks of pitching in MLB and the importance of player safety.