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).
Pirates Announce Roster Move
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
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
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
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 head 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