Valdez Joins Rare Historical Club With 12 HRs in First 31 Games
The Pirates outfielder is only the fourth player in MLB history to post at least 12 homers and 31 RBIs through his first 31 big league games.
Esmerlyn Valdez hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning of Pittsburgh's 7-1 win over Cleveland, reaching 12 home runs and 31 RBIs in his first 31 major league games. Only Rhys Hoskins, Aristides Aquino, and Will Smith have matched that output in MLB history. The 22-year-old Dominican Republic native was added to the 40-man roster last November after a standout Arizona Fall League campaign. His hot start signals he is a legitimate offensive force to factor into Pirates lineup projections.
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