Colorado Rockies
Major leagues
The Rockies promoted Valaika to the major leagues for the first time on September 6,2016, [6] and made his Major League Baseball debut the same day pinch running for pinch hitter Tom Murphy in the bottom of the 8th inning during a game against the San Francisco Giants. [7] He made his first defensive appearance on September 8,2016,replacing third baseman Nolan Arenado in the bottom of the sixth inning,a game where he also got his first plate appearance hitting a double in the bottom of the 8th inning. [8] His first start in the major leagues came against the Los Angeles Dodgers on September 24,2016. [9]
On Mother's Day,2017,Valaika hit two home runs,and on Father's Day that same year,he hit a pinch hit home run. [10]
Baltimore Orioles
On October 30,2019,Valaika was claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. [11] However,Valaika was designated for assignment by the Orioles on January 10,2020,to make room for Richard Ureña on their 40-man roster. [12]
On January 16,2020,Valaika was claimed off waivers by the Arizona Diamondbacks. [13] Valaika was designated for assignment by the Diamondbacks on January 27,following the acquisition of Starling Marte.
On January 30,Valaika was again claimed off waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. [14] He was outrighted to the Norfolk Tides on February 11. On July 23 the Orioles selected his contract to the major league roster. [15] In 2020 for the Orioles,Valaika slashed .277/.315/.475 with 8 home runs and 16 RBI. [16]
On August 5,2021,after having 193 at-bats and hitting .192 with 4 home runs and 21 RBI,Valaika was designated for assignment by the Orioles. [17] On August 8,Valaika was sent outright to the Triple-A Norfolk Tides. There,he played in 22 games,hitting .225 with 2 home runs and 7 RBI. On September 14,the Orioles re-selected Valaika's contract. [18] Valaika was outrighted off of the 40-man roster on October 23 and granted free agency on October 25. [19]
