Houston Astros Boss Talks About Valdez’s Move To Injured List

The Houston Astros put their fifth starting pitcher on the injured list and general manager Dana Brown talked about the process behind it.

Mar 28, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Astros general manager Dana Brown appeared on Sports Talk 790 on Wednesday morning to discuss the move of left-handed starting pitcher Framber Valdez to the 15-day injured list.

The Astros made this decision after he was scratched from his start on Monday against the Texas Rangers with a sore left elbow. On Tuesday, team doctors examined his elbow in Houston.

They have designated it a right forearm strain. The IL move appears to be more of a precaution, given the Astros’ current situation.

"We had a nice little sit down and put him on the IL," Brown said. "I don't want the group to panic. He's going to be fine and will miss a couple starts. Thank God it's only the 15-day IL."

Valdez has only made two starts this season and has no decision. But he has a 2.19 ERA in 12 1/3 innings pitched, allowing 11 hits, three earned runs, and six walks, with also 10 strikeouts.

But he is also the fifth starting pitcher to hit the injured list this season. The earliest Houston could get any of them back is next week.

That returning pitcher could be Justin Verlander.

He is throwing another bullpen session in Kansas City and he should make a second rehab start this weekend with a minor league affiliate. After that, the Astros will decide what is next. It could be another rehab start. It could be activating their ace.

For now, Spencer Arrighetti, their top pitching prospect, is part of the starting rotation at least for this turn.

Meanwhile, José Urquidy is on the 15-day injured list as he recovers from a right forearm strain that he suffered at the tail end of spring training. Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr. are working their way back from long-term injuries and will be available later this season.

Right now, Brown isn’t panicking.

If there is any good news for Houston it’s that none of their starters are out for the season, unlike a year ago.