Pirates Make Roster Adjustments with Valdez Optioned and Callihan Recalled The Pittsburgh Pirates made several roster adjustments on Thursday, optioning outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez to Triple-A Indianapolis and recalling infielder/outfielder Tyler Callihan to bolster infield depth. The moves came as the team navigated injuries and positional needs, particularly with shortstop Konnor Griffin sidelined due to right forearm soreness. Griffin, who was not in the lineup for Thursday’s game against the Chicago Cubs, remains available off the bench, with Jared Triolo starting at shortstop and batting eighth in the order. Valdez, who was recalled by the Pirates on Friday, appeared in five games during his brief stint with the major league club. In 16 at-bats, he recorded two hits, both of which were home runs, and drove in five runs. He also drew two walks in 18 plate appearances but struck out nine times. Prior to his promotion, the 22-year-old outfielder had performed well at Triple-A Indianapolis, posting a .253/.381/.506 batting line with 10 doubles, 10 home runs, and 29 RBI in 46 games. His strong performance at the minor league level likely contributed to his call-up, though his limited impact at the major league level suggests the Pirates may have opted to send him back to the minors for further development. The decision to recall Callihan was driven by the team’s need for infield depth, particularly as Griffin’s injury created a gap in the lineup. The 25-year-old infielder, acquired by the Pirates during spring training in a trade that sent right-handed reliever Kyle Nicolas to the Cincinnati Reds, had already made an impression at Triple-A. In 49 games with Indianapolis this season, Callihan hit .223 with a .651 OPS, six doubles, one triple, five home runs, 16 RBI, and eight stolen bases.#pittsburgh_pirates #konnor_griffin #esmerlyn_valdez #tyler_callihan #jared_trioo
