TORONTO. – Dominican Esmerlyn Valdez lived an unforgettable day this Sunday by hitting the first home run of his career in the Major Leagues during the Pittsburgh Pirates’ 4-1 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays.
The 22-year-old outfielder hit a two-run home run to the opposite field in the sixth inning, also getting his first hit in the Majors and extending Pittsburgh’s lead at the Rogers Centre.
After running the bases, Valdez received the traditional “ice treatment” from his teammates in the dugout, who momentarily ignored the rookie as part of the usual welcome in the Major Leagues.
However, the most curious moment occurred off the field. Relief pitcher Justin Lawrence negotiated with the fan who caught the historic home run ball and managed to get it back in exchange for a bat autographed by Valdez himself.
The Pirates’ number nine prospect, according to MLB Pipeline, debuted on Friday with the Pittsburgh team after excelling in Triple-A Indianapolis, where he accumulated 10 home runs and an OPS of .887 in 46 games this season.
The Pittsburgh organization is betting on the great offensive potential of the Dominican, who has had an accelerated rise in the last year thanks to his power with the bat and his outstanding performances in minor leagues and the Arizona Fall League.
Valdez’s home run was one of three connected by the Pirates in the victory over Toronto, a result that allowed the team to recover offensively after two discreet performances at the beginning of the series.
