Esmerlyn Valdez went 2-for-3 with a homer, a walk, two RBI, and two runs scored as the Pirates defeated the Cubs 8-7 on Sunday afternoon.
Valdez’s homer was his 14th this season, tying him for the third-most through 37 big league games, according to Sarah Langs of MLB. It has been an incredible run, but his strikeout rate remains at 38%, which will be difficult to overcome over a longer sample. It helps that he’s part of a lineup that ranks second in the majors in runs per game. Valdez is a must-start fantasy option until his power heater fully cools off.