Valdez Predicts His Houston Astros Rotation Return

If Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez has his way he won't be out of the rotation for long.

Matthew Postins | Jul 3, 2023

Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

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Now that the Houston Astros are skipping pitcher Framber Valdez in the rotation on Sunday, the next question is when Valdez will pitch again.

The Astros are hopeful that Valdez can pitch one more time before the All-Star Break. So is Valdez, who told MLB.com that he has a target of Thursday or Friday on his mind for his return start.

That would put the Astros at the start of a four-game series at home against the Seattle Mariners.

The Astros scratched Valdez on Saturday after he sprained an ankle during his start against the New York Mets on June 20.

It would have been hard to notice the injury. It didn’t happen on the field. Valdez told MLB.com that he did walking on the dugout steps.

Valdez finished that game, and he got the win, 4-2.

Astros manager Dusty Baker said it became more of an issue during his next start against St. Louis on Tuesday. He took the loss in that game, dropping to 7-6 for the season. He went six innings, giving up eight hits and four runs. He also gave up three walks and struck out six.

More importantly, the injury was causing some issues with his mechanics, said Baker. He spent a few minutes talking with Valdez and team trainers in the outfield at Globe Life Field in Arlington on Saturday before scratching him from the game.

“It’s affected his delivery so we’ve decided to skip him and hopefully we’ll pick him up,” Baker said.

With all of the issues the Astros have had in their starting rotation, the Astros need Valdez right as soon as possible.

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Published Jul 3, 2023

MATTHEW POSTINS

Matthew Postins is an award-winning sports journalist who covers the Texas Rangers, Philadelphia Phillies, Chicago Cubs and Houston Astros for Sports Illustrated/FanNation. He also covers he Big 12 for Heartland College Sports.