'Always work:' Valdez maintaining focus at Futures Game
When this season began, Esmerlyn Valdez wasn't expecting to be part of the Futures Game. It wasn't even on his radar.
However, after exploding for 20 home runs, 57 RBIs and a .947 OPS in 72 games at high Class A Greensboro, Valdez not only earned a promotion to Class AA Altoona, but also a trip alongside Konnor Griffin to represent thew Pirates this afternoon.
"This is very amazing, beautiful experience for me," Valdez said through interpreter Julian Herencia. "I was not expecting this. They told me by surprise. I was surprised, and now it's been a huge experience."
Valdez, 21, didn’t get an opportunity to do much in the game itself, flying out to center field in his lone at-bat. However, he made the most of his unexpected honor. He wore custom cleats that have the colors of the Dominican Republic, his home country, along with the names of both his mother and father:
INSTAGRAM: ESMERLYNVALDEZ27
The Futures Game came at an interesting time for Valdez. He was just promoted to Altoona on July 5. And after tearing high Class A apart, he's been humbled a bit since he joined the Curve. In eight games, he's slashed .222/.300/.333 and has yet to hit a home run.
However, he's walked three times and struck out just six times. That provides optimism that Valdez's process has remained the same, all while dealing with what is widely considered the largest jump throughout the minor league journey.
Last season with low Class A Bradenton, Valdez posted a 30.5% strikeout rate. This season, he reduced that to 24.5% with Greensboro and, in a small sample size, has a 20% strikeout rate with Altoona.
The jump to Class AA is a difficult one for just about every prospect. There are rare exceptions. However, Valdez is maintaining the same work ethic and approach while navigating it.
"It's always work. Just work hard," Valdez said. "There are going to be good days. There are going to be bad days. But, you've gotta keep going, keep the grind, don't let anything stop you. That same mentality."
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'Always work:' Valdez maintaining focus at Futures Game
When this season began, Esmerlyn Valdez wasn't expecting to be part of the Futures Game. It wasn't even on his radar.
However, after exploding for 20 home runs, 57 RBIs and a .947 OPS in 72 games at high Class A Greensboro, Valdez not only earned a promotion to Class AA Altoona, but also a trip alongside Konnor Griffin to represent thew Pirates this afternoon.
"This is very amazing, beautiful experience for me," Valdez said through interpreter Julian Herencia. "I was not expecting this. They told me by surprise. I was surprised, and now it's been a huge experience."
Valdez, 21, didn’t get an opportunity to do much in the game itself, flying out to center field in his lone at-bat. However, he made the most of his unexpected honor. He wore custom cleats that have the colors of the Dominican Republic, his home country, along with the names of both his mother and father:
INSTAGRAM: ESMERLYNVALDEZ27
The Futures Game came at an interesting time for Valdez. He was just promoted to Altoona on July 5. And after tearing high Class A apart, he's been humbled a bit since he joined the Curve. In eight games, he's slashed .222/.300/.333 and has yet to hit a home run.
However, he's walked three times and struck out just six times. That provides optimism that Valdez's process has remained the same, all while dealing with what is widely considered the largest jump throughout the minor league journey.
Last season with low Class A Bradenton, Valdez posted a 30.5% strikeout rate. This season, he reduced that to 24.5% with Greensboro and, in a small sample size, has a 20% strikeout rate with Altoona.
The jump to Class AA is a difficult one for just about every prospect. There are rare exceptions. However, Valdez is maintaining the same work ethic and approach while navigating it.
"It's always work. Just work hard," Valdez said. "There are going to be good days. There are going to be bad days. But, you've gotta keep going, keep the grind, don't let anything stop you. That same mentality."
Want to participate in our comments?
Want an ad-free experience?
Become a member, and enjoy premium benefits! Make your voice heard on the Steelers, Penguins and Pirates, and hear right back from tens of thousands of fellow Pittsburgh sports fans worldwide! Plus, access all our premium content, including Dejan Kovacevic columns, Friday Insider, daily Live Qs with the staff, more! And yeah, that's right, no ads at all!
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