Valdez Gets Day Off Amid Slump | MLB News

Pirates give rookie phenom Esmerlyn Valdez a well-earned day off after 33 straight starts, as the team manages his workload during a brutal 17-game stretch. Valdez’s early-season power surge—14 homers, 30 RBIs—is fading, with just 2 hits in his last 30 at-bats. While Ronny Simon steps into right field and Endy Rodríguez gets a high-profile DH spot, the Pirates hope Valdez’s rest can spark a comeback ahead of a crucial weekend series against the Mets. Listen in comfort:Get a discount on a Soli Pillow: http://solipillow.com/discount/dnn. Advertise on DNN:[email protected] This is an automated, high-level news summary based on public reporting.Report issues to [email protected]. View sources & latest updates:https://sources.thednn.ai/0508350ae0846cad