The Pirates' Double-A affiliate just had a recent injury scare with top slugging prospect Esmerlyn Valdez, as he was removed from Tuesday night's game on a cart. Quickly, the thought of him being out for the season emerged, but he shut that speculation down on his own. While the organization is lucky that Valdez won't be out for the year, fellow Altoona slugger Jack Brannigan will be, following season-ending surgery to his shoulder.
As Danny Demilio of Pittsburgh Baseball Now posted via X, "Jack Brannigan underwent right shoulder labral repair surgery. The Pirates anticipate a full recovery and for him to be ready for the season next year.