Houston Astros' Star Pitcher Returns Home After Experiencing Elbow Soreness

Prior to finishing up this series against their division rivals, the Houston Astros will stay on the road without their ace as he headed home to be evaluated by team doctors.

Apr 2, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) walks off the field after pitching during the fifth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Minute Maid Park. / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros have had some injury issues with their starting rotation to begin the year as their ace Justin Verlander and veteran Jose Urquidy were placed on the injured list.

Verlander is expected to return at some point this month barring a setback, but Urquidy's recovery could take a little bit longer.

With those two out for the time being, others on the staff had to step up in their absence, starting with their star Framber Valdez.

The left-hander looked like one of the best pitchers in the league during the first half of 2023, but struggled mightily down the stretch and into the playoffs.

The Astros were hoping he would put together a bounce back year, but that did not come to fruition on Opening Day as he allowed three earned runs during his 4 1/3 innings pitched against the New York Yankees.

Valdez was able to get back on track during his second start, throwing 7 2/3 scoreless innings and only allowing six hits.

Unfortunately, they might be without the star for a while.

Chandler Rome of The Athletic reported that Valdez experienced soreness in his throwing elbow while playing catch and has returned to Houston where team doctors will evaluate him.

He was originally scheduled to start the finale against the Texas Rangers on Monday, but it was revealed the Astros had called up a prospect to take Valdez's place.

How long Houston might be without him remains to be seen.

Ideally, this is just soreness that a couple days off or even a short injured list stint might be to take care of, but again, the Astros' rotation has been dealt a tough blow with another prominent player suffering an injury.