VALDEZ INJURED, BUT PIRATES PERSEVERE, BEAT D-BACKS

The Pirates lost another big bat from their lineup last night, but they toughed out a win over the Diamondbacks anyway.

Greg Brown recaps an inspiring extra-inning effort.

Already missing key hitters Konnor Griffin, Spencer Horwitz, and Oneil Cruz from his lineup, manager Donnie Kelly says Esmerlyn Valdez’s loss is another obstacle to overcome, but they’re used to dealing with injuries.

Kelly says he has a resilient group of Battlin’ Bucs.

There is probably a statistic for how many times Bryan Reynolds has been called for a strike on an appealed check swing, but if it seems to you like he leads the league, it seems that way to Kelly too.  Last night, he’d had enough and he got himself ejected by third base umpire Ben May.

The Pirates made some roster moves prior to the game, activating catcher Endy Rodriguez from the injured list and designating catcher Shawn Ross for assignment.  Rodriguez pinch hit for Henry Davis last night and went 1-for-2.

The Pirates also made a trade, acquiring outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez from the Orioles for cash considerations and assigning him to Indianapolis. Rodriguez has hit .270 with four home runs for Triple-A Norfolk this season.  He has 51 games of Major League experience with Cleveland and Baltimore.

2026 DRAFT CLASS

The Pirates also signed two more draft picks ahead of the deadline, making the final count of players signed 18 out of 21 selections.  Right-handed pitchers Rohan Lettow, their 12^th round selection, and Damarcus Rideout-Carter, who was taken in the 14^th round, were both assigned to the Florida Complex League.

Three of the Pirates’ draft picks chose to play another season of college baseball rather than turn pro.  Pitcher Grant Govel (16^th round) will return to USC, outfielder Malachi Washington (18^th round) will go to LSU, and outfielder Andrew Duncan (19^th round) will play for Tennessee.

MLB

A day after giving up seven earned runs to the Pirates, former Bucs pitcher Jameson Taillon has been designated for assignment by the Cubs.  He is 2-6 with a 5.92 ERA this season.