Framber Valdez Tosses Complete Game, Astros Win 7-1 Over Angels

With Cristian Javier and José Urquidy now out for the season following Tommy John surgery, the Astros have no margin for error regarding the starting rotation. While the staff is currently five deep — Framber Valdez, Justin Verlander, Ronel Blanco, Hunter Brown, and Spencer Arrighetti — it would only take another injury to expose the organization’s lack of starting depth. Yes, Luis García and Lance McCullers Jr. are due back later this season, with the former likely sooner than the latter. But Houston still has to last at least another month to six weeks before García returns.

In the meantime, the available starters must continue to produce, especially with less-than-ideal postseason odds. It was Valdez’s turn on Friday, facing the Angels for the first time since that disastrous start on May 20 when the left-hander imploded for eight runs in five innings. Thankfully for the Astros, Valdez was able to avoid another disappointing start by continuing his recent rebound with a one-run complete game. Before his start against the Angels, he limited the Mariners and Twins to a combined four runs across 13 innings. His effort against the Angels was a much-needed positive development for a club reeling with more injuries.

Offensively, the Astros started slow but heated up by the middle innings. Yainer Díaz started the scoring early with his RBI single in the first inning to drive in Yordan Alvarez. While Kevin Pillar would tie the game in the second with a solo home run, Houston wouldn’t answer back until the seventh inning. Alex Bregman’s walk in the frame, thanks in part to a questionable ball, helped set the stage for the lineup. Ultimately, Alvarez drove in three with a double and he scored as part of Díaz’s home run a short time later. Díaz, in particular, has continued to impress as of late, with his fourth home run in four games. José Abreu would even join the fun, hitting his second home run of the season to push the lead to 7-1.

With the game well in hand, Valdez finished off the Angels, allowing only two baserunners in the final three frames. On a day when the injury news was bleak, it was nice to see Valdez arguably throw his best game since his no-hitter against the Guardians last August. Come to find out, he dedicated this game to Javier.

Even on a day when Kyle Tucker hits the IL, and in light of the recent injury developments, Friday’s game was a fun watch. Valez looked tremendous. The lineup eventually broke out, at least for one game. Let’s see if the good times continue into Saturday and Sunday.