Should Houston Astros Be Worried After Their Ace's Opener?

After ending the 2023 season struggling, the Houston Astros' ace didn't exactly put any worries to bed after his opening game of the year.

Mar 28, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts after a play during the fifth inning against the New York Yankees at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports / Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

The Houston Astros got their 2024 campaign underway on Thursday when they welcomed in the New York Yankees.

With high expectations placed upon their shoulders like usual, the Astros got off to a fast start on Opening Day, showcasing why they need to be in the World Series conversation year after year.

Their 4-0 lead came from the bats in the bottom of their lineup after Chas McCormick singled home a run in the first inning, followed by Yainer Diaz singling in two more that same frame, and Jake Meyers blasting Houston's first homer of the year 415 feet in the second inning to score their fourth run.

Giving Framber Valdez that type of early lead should have been enough to take home an Opening Day victory.

However, things fell apart in the fifth inning when the Yankees scored three runs from an RBI single by Juan Soto, a hit by pitch, and then a walk with the bases loaded after the Astros pulled their ace.

Valdez's outing ended after 4 2/3 innings pitched where he was hit five times, credited with three earned runs, recorded five strikeouts, and walked a career-high tying six batters.

Based on how things ended in 2023, should Houston be concerned?

There are always overreactions after Opening Day since the anticipation of the new season culminates in finally seeing how teams and players look on the field for the first time in actual games that matter.

But the opener certainly didn't quiet concerns surrounding Valdez heading into the winter.

Post All-Star break, the lefty recorded an ERA of 4.66 across his 14 starts and 87 innings pitched in the regular season. During this time he also walked 31 batters. Then, in the playoffs, he went 0-3 across his three starts, posting a 9.00 ERA in 12 innings.

He was a completely different pitcher down the stretch than he was at the beginning of 2023 when his ERA was 2.51 and he only walked 26 batters across 111 innings.

The concerning thing here is Valdez's lack of control.

Walks are an indicator, and that was on full display against New York on Opening Day.

Of course, the ace can make adjustments and rebound since this was only just his first start of the season, but having this type of outing combined with how he looked for a good amount of time last year, and that has to have the coaching staff on high alert.