Injured Houston Astros Star Faces Milestone For Return

Framber Valdez could be the next Houston Astros starter to return from injury, but a key date in his recovery awaits.

Oct 16, 2023; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) pitches in / Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports

Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez hopes to play catch on Tuesday in an effort to return from his sore left elbow, per The Athletic.

That catch session could be an important milestone if Valdez hopes to return when he’s eligible on April 21.

He told reporters on Sunday that he didn’t have an MRI when he was examined by doctors on Tuesday when he return to Kansas City.

The Astros pulled him from last Monday’s start against the Texas Rangers after he informed them of soreness in the elbow after a throwing session. The Astros put him on the injured list the next day.

The 30-year-old also said he doesn’t believe he’ll need a rehab start before he returns. His teammate, Justin Verlander, has made two as he ramps up for a potential return on the Astros’ upcoming road trip. But Verlander needed those as he started spring training with shoulder pain.

Valdez, on the other hand, is built up after a full spring training and two starts. He has a 2.19 ERA in 12.1 innings, allowing 11 hits, three earned runs and six walks. He struck out 10.

Houston general manager Dana Brown talked to SportsTalk 790 on Sunday in comments relayed by MLB.com. He said that he hoped Valdez would be ready to re-join the rotation before the Astros head to Mexico for a two-game series with the Colorado Rockies on April 27-28.

If Valdez were to do a rehab start before returning, it would need to be right around his potential activation date.

He and Verlander are not the only starting pitchers working back from injuries, although they are the pair that is most likely to return soon.

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. He is not expected to return until at least May.

Two other starters are working their way back from long-term injuries and will be available later this season — Luis Garcia and Lance McCullers Jr.