Esmerlyn Valdez Out of Pirates Lineup Amid Recent Slump

Pittsburgh Pirates' Esmerlyn Valdez is not in the starting lineup for Thursday's game in Milwaukee. The decision to bench Valdez comes as he navigates a recent offensive slump, providing the young player with a day to reset. The Pirates are looking for more consistent production from their lineup as they face the Brewers, and Valdez will likely be available off the bench if needed while the team monitors his performance and looks for signs of a turnaround in the coming series games.