Framber Valdez's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (elbow) will throw a bullpen session with the team in Chicago this week and he could start one of the two games against the Colorado Rockies in Mexico City, either this Saturday or Sunday, according to manager Joe Espada. The 30-year-old southpaw was able to throw a 30-pitch bullpen session last Saturday, which was his first time throwing off a mound since left-elbow inflammation landed him on the injured list on April 9. Whether Valdez is able to make his return and start this weekend against the Rockies will be determined by how he looks in his next bullpen session this week. Even though the Rockies are a very enticing matchup, Valdez would be a shaky fantasy play in the altitude in Mexico City if he's activated for a start this weekend.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (elbow) threw a bullpen session on Saturday. This marks the first time Valdez has thrown off of a mound since he was put on the injured list. The Astros will wait to see how the lefty responds to the bullpen session before taking next steps, though there is a chance he will be activated without needing a rehab start. The Astros are desperate for his return as their staters have posted a 4.93 ERA to begin the season, 5th worst in the majors. The lefty posted a 2.19 ERA in his two starts before hitting the injured list so his return will provide a boost to the Astros, who also welcomed back Justin Verlander on Friday. Fantasy managers will want to keep an eye on Valdez's progress in the event a rehab assignment isn't necessary.

Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (elbow) played catch on Friday, and manager Joe Espada said the hope is that Valdez could throw off a mound on Saturday or Sunday. Valdez is currently on the injured list while dealing with left-elbow inflammation, but there's no structural damage and he's already throwing again after being sidelined on April 9. The 30-year-old southpaw won't come off the IL when he's eligible next week, but a minor-league rehab assignment may not be far off. In the meantime, his fantasy managers will be hoping he'll return sometime in May. Keep Valdez stashed in all fantasy formats until then. The Dominican starter had picked up where he left off in 2023 through his first two starts before his elbow injury, giving up just three earned runs while striking out 10 in 12 1/3 innings.

Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez (elbow) played some light catch at Minute Maid Park on Monday. Head coach Joe Espada said last week that Valdez was getting close to playing catch again. It's a good sign for the 30-year-old southpaw, but he could still have a ways to go before coming off the injured list and rejoining Houston's starting rotation. He's dealing with left-elbow inflammation and is hopeful that he can come off the injured list when he's eligible on April 23, but that remains to be seen. Regardless of how long it is before Valdez returns, he needs to be stashed in an IL spot in all fantasy formats. The two-time All-Star allowed just three earned runs on 11 hits while walking six and striking out 10 in 12 1/3 innings in his first two starts of 2024 before his elbow started barking.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (elbow) is scheduled to play catch on Tuesday. The 30-year-old went on the 15-day injured list with elbow inflammation, but he hopes to return when first eligible. His confidence bodes well, but fantasy managers will still have to wait and see when he ultimately rejoins the rotation. Valdez pitched well to start the season, posting a 2.19 ERA with 10 strikeouts through two starts. He should be rostered everywhere prior to his return.