Houston Astros Ace Framber Valdez Enjoying Best Stretch of Career After Win vs. Washington Nationals

Houston Astros ace Framber Valdez dominated the Washington Nationals on Wednesday night, tossing seven innings of one run ball in what has become the best stretch of his young career.

When we think of aces in the American League, we tend to think of Gerrit Cole, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Luis Castillo, and Jacob deGrom (when not injured). Perhaps it's time we all recognize the ace-like qualities of Houston Astros lefty Framber Valdez.

The lefty dominated the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, tossing seven innings of one run ball in a no-decision. The Astros won the game on a controversial error but there was nothing controversial about Valdez's performance. He allowed just five hits and one run while walking none and striking out six.

He lowered his ERA on the season to 2.27 and it's a good bet that he's pitching in Seattle next month in the All-Star Game.

In the wake of Justin Verlander's absence, the 29-year-old is the centerpiece of the Astros rotation and with injuries to Lance McCullers, Luis Garcia, and Jose Urquidy this year, his performance has been invaluable.

The southpaw is also enjoying the best stretch of his career:

Per ESPN Stats & Info on Twitter:

Astros P Framber Valdez allowed just 1 ER over 7 IP tonight against the Nationals, lowering his ERA over his last 5 starts to 1.32. 

That's the lowest ERA over a 5-start span for Valdez in his MLB career.

Astros P Framber Valdez allowed just 1 ER over 7 IP tonight against the Nationals, lowering his ERA over his last 5 starts to 1.32.

That's the lowest ERA over a 5-start span for Valdez in his MLB career. pic.twitter.com/73lTsd5AWP

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) June 15, 2023

As they say, that'll play.

Valdez is just 6-5 this season but has recorded 95 strikeouts in 91 innings. Lifetime, he's 47-28 with a 3.21 ERA and was an integral part of the Astros run to the World Series in 2022.

The Astros are currently 39-29 and 3.5 games out of first place in the American League West.

They'll play the Nationals on Thursday at 8:10 p.m. ET.

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