Valdez has done nothing but hit since the Pirates brought him up back in late March, slashing .239 (11-for-46) with six extra-base hits and nine RBI in 16 contests. There’s some sneaky fantasy appeal here for managers in NL-only formats, especially if Pittsburgh can hide his defensive issues at the cold corner. It’ll be Jared Triolo at first base on Sunday afternoon in his place.

Valdez’s first homer as a Pirate came off Jakob Junis. He’s batting .233/.327/.442 in 49 plate appearances as the replacement for Nick Gonzales on Pittsburgh’s roster. He’s due to cease being a fit once Spencer Horwitz is activated from the injured list, but given the Pirates’ offensive struggles, the team will have to keep him if he keeps hitting.

Valdez was called up with Nick Gonzales got hurt, but he’s seen more time at first than second so far. The big effort from the cleanup spot tonight gives him a .207/.303/.379 line in 11 games. He’ll keep playing for now, but unless the Pirates are willing to cut Adam Frazier (fat chance), he might not have a role on the team after Spencer Horwitz comes off the IL.

With Nick Gonzales going down with a fractured left ankle, the Pirates had a sudden need for extra depth in the infield and that’s where Valdez comes in. He may see some action at second base against left-handed pitching, but it’s difficult to envision him carving out a large enough role to gain relevancy for fantasy purposes.