Houston Astros Ace to Miss Start with Injury
ARLINGTON, Texas — Houston Astros manager Dusty Baker told reporters on Saturday that Sunday’s projected starter, Framber Valdez, will be scratched due to a sprained ankle.
The Astros are unsure who will start on Sunday. They do expect Cristian Javier to start on Monday.
Valdez suffered the injury during his start against the New York Mets on June 20, a game the Astros won, 4-2.
He made his next start, which came in 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 is causing some issues with his mechanics, says Baker.
“It’s affected his delivery so we’ve decided to skip him and hopefully we’ll pick him up,” Baker said.
The Astros hope that Valdez can make at least one more start before the All-Star Break.
He’s not the only pitcher on the mend. Astros starter José Urquidy threw another bullpen session on Friday at Globe Life Field as he attempts to come back from right shoulder inflammation. The Astros hope that he can throw a batting practice session soon.
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