Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Rookie Esmerlyn Valdez Hits 3 Homers, Earns “Magician” Nickname

7/13/2026

43 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Valdez Powers Sweep

Esmerlyn Valdez, 22-year-old rookie outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, helped sweep the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11 with four go-ahead hits, three homers and a grand slam.
He became the fourth player since 1900 to record 10 home runs and 25 RBI in his first 27 games before turning 23.
The performance earned him the nickname “The Magician.”

Summary

Pirates Edge Wildcard

Pirates improved to 49-47 after the doubleheader, keeping NL Wild Card hopes alive heading into the All-Star break.
Esmerlyn Valdez was promoted to the fourth spot in the lineup during the June-late stretch, sparking his power surge.
Bubba Chandler (3-8, 4.82 ERA) started the second game of the doubleheader, his final outing before the break.
Aaron Ashby (12-2) surrendered a grand slam after entering with the bases loaded.

1 of 2

Valdez Powers Sweep

Esmerlyn Valdez, 22-year-old rookie outfielder for the Pittsburgh Pirates, helped sweep the Milwaukee Brewers on July 11 with four go-ahead hits, three homers and a grand slam.
He became the fourth player since 1900 to record 10 home runs and 25 RBI in his first 27 games before turning 23.
The performance earned him the nickname “The Magician.”

1 / 2