Outlook Esmerlyn Valdez
Esmerlyn Valdez brings potent rookie power but carries batting average risk amid a recent slump
Valdez has cooled off significantly from his explosive midsummer debut, batting just .138 with two home runs and 12 strikeouts over his last 14 days. Despite the slump, he remains locked in as Pittsburgh's everyday right fielder while Ryan O'Hearn is on the injured list. He continues to provide punch for an even 73-73 Pirates club currently riding a three-game win streak.
Through 71 games in his rookie campaign, Valdez has launched 17 homers with a .235 average, putting him within striking distance of our 20-homer projection. While his prodigious raw power is genuine, 106 strikeouts in 238 at-bats underscore steep contact deficiencies. Expect continued power flashes, but regression toward a low batting average floor will limit his overall ceiling.
Looking at the remaining four road games this week, Valdez faces a challenging stretch beginning against Hagen Smith and his pristine 0.56 ERA. The weekend set at Wrigley Field offers little relief against Shota Imanaga (4.03 ERA), Clay Holmes (2.90 ERA), and Matthew Boyd (4.12 ERA). Given the tough arms on tap and his recent strikeout issues, look elsewhere for production. Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
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Outlook Josh Jung
Josh Jung begins minor-league rehab assignment and nears return from calf strain
Jung has not appeared in a major league game since July 22 due to a persistent left calf strain. The second-place Rangers (72-74) received a huge boost when the third baseman reported to Triple-A Round Rock on September 8 to begin a rehab assignment as the designated hitter. Ezequiel Duran has held down everyday third base duties in his absence, but Jung is finally nearing a return.
Before landing on the injured list, Jung was putting together a stellar season, slashing .294/.364/.441 with nine home runs and 35 RBI across 92 games. While our baseline projection expected a modest .249 batting average, his improved contact rate and plate awareness indicate that his 2026 gains are genuine rather than a fluke.
Texas continues their road swing with matchups against Seattle and Arizona, including dates with tough starters Logan Gilbert and Eduardo Rodriguez, as well as hittable veteran Merrill Kelly (5.14 ERA). Because Jung is still building stamina in the minors, he will not be activated in time to help fantasy managers over the remaining weekend games. Keep him stashed on your injured list until he is officially activated. Sit.
Updated 1 day ago
