First Call: Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez on a record-making HR pace; prediction for Anthony Mantha in NHL free agency
TribLIVE.com • • sports
Key Points:
- Pittsburgh Pirates rookie Esmerlyn Valdez hit a home run in four consecutive games, becoming just the third Pirates rookie to achieve this feat and one of only six players since 1900 to homer in four straight games within their first 16 MLB contests.
- The Pirates are aiming to win Game 2 against the Philadelphia Phillies with Bubba Chandler pitching, who has improved his ERA recently but faces a tough challenge against Phillies' Cristopher Sanchez, one of the National League’s top pitchers.
- Vince Trocheck, despite ongoing trade rumors, is expected to remain with the New York Rangers for now as the team holds firm on their high asking price and sees no urgency to trade the center with three years left on his contract.
- Anthony Mantha, the Penguins' leading goal scorer last season, is expected to sign with the Montreal Canadiens as a free agent, potentially on a five-year deal worth $6.5 million annually, adding size and scoring ability to Montreal’s forward group.
