On Friday night, the Pittsburgh Pirates will open up a series with the Toronto Blue Jays (in Canada).
The Pirates are coming off a 6-2 win over the St. Louis Cardinals (on Wednesday).
Pittsburgh Pirates Announce Roster Move
GettyBilly Cook #28 of the Pittsburgh Pirates celebrates with teammates after hitting a three-run home run against the St. Louis Cardinals during the sixth inning at Busch Stadium on September 18, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri.
Ahead of Friday’s series, the Pirates announced that they had made a roster move.
The Pirates wrote (via X): “ROSTER MOVES: The Pittsburgh Pirates today recalled OF Esmerlyn Valdez from Triple-A Indianapolis. Pittsburgh optioned outfielder Billy Cook to Indianapolis following Thursday’s game at St. Louis.”
Looking At Valdez
GettyEsmerlyn Valdez #85 of the Pittsburgh Pirates watches his grand slam home run against the Philadelphia Phillies during the sixth inning of a spring training baseball game at BayCare Ballpark on February 22, 2026 in Clearwater, Florida.
Valdez is currently batting .253 with 40 hits, 10 home runs, 29 RBI’s and 25 runs in 46 Triple-A games this season.
The 22-year-old has yet to make his MLB debut.
@TJStats wrote (on May 21): “Esmerlyn Valdez gets the call! Valdez is a big power bat who followed up a strong 2025 season with an excellent showing in the Arizona Fall League. In AAA this year he has hit 10 HR with a .887 OPS, powered by superb exit velocities and a strong walk rate Congratulations!”
Looking At Cook
GettyBilly Cook #25 of the Pittsburgh Pirates flies out against the Detroit Tigers during the second inning at Comerica Park on June 19, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan.
Cook was picked in the 10th round of the 2021 MLB Draft.
He has spent part of three seasons with the Pirates.
Right now, the 27-year-old is batting .190 with four hits, five runs and three stolen bases in 32 games this season.
Pirates Right Now
GettyManager Don Kelly #12 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on during the MLB game at Chase Field on May 06, 2026 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Pirates defeated the Diamondbacks 1-0.
The Pirates come into their series with the Blue Jays as the fourth-place team in the National League Central with a 26-24 record in 50 games.
They have gone 4-6 over their last ten games (and are 13-11 in 24 games on the road).
Following three games with the Blue Jays, the Pirates will return home to host the Chicago Cubs on Monday.
The franchise is looking to return to the MLB playoffs for the first time since 2015.
Pittsburgh Pirates Announce Roster Move Before Blue Jays Game