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

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez earned a tough no-decision in a dominant outing against the Toronto Blue Jays on Tuesday. Valdez tossed 7 2/3 innings of scoreless ball and allowed six hits with five strikeouts and no walks. Unfortunately for Valdez, the Astros bullpen blew all his hard work and he was unable to receive a victory. Since 2020, Valdez has been one of the most consistent arms in the game and he now owns a 2.19 ERA in two starts this season. Valdez will look to pick up a victory in his next start against the Kansas City Royals next week.

Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez will start the team's Opening Day game on March 28 versus the visiting New York Yankees, according to manager Joe Espada. With future Hall of Famer Justin Verlander (shoulder) to begin the 2024 regular season on the injured list, Valdez will take the ball for the team's first game in a tough matchup that should have DFS gamers avoiding Valdez. The 30-year-old southpaw started the year off strong in 2023 before slowing down in the second half of the season. He ultimately finished with a 12-11 record in the regular season and a 3.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 200 strikeouts in 198 innings over 31 starts. Valdez's high mileage in recent seasons could finally be catching up to him, but he should still be considered a high-end No. 2 fantasy starter because of his strikeout upside and ground-ball tendencies.

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez bounced back nicely during his second spring outing on Monday. Valdez threw four innings, allowing one run in a no-decision against the Detroit Tigers. The southpaw struck out four batters while walking one during this outing. It appears Valdez is back on track after a rough spring debut. Fantasy managers should once again expect big things from Valdez in 2024.

Houston Astros left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez will experiment with calling his own pitches via the PitchCom technology this spring, according to Chandler Rome of The Athletic. Citing a desire for increased control over his outings, Valdez sought permission from pitching coach Josh Miller to make his own pitch selection decisions via PitchCom; he will implement this technique for the first time during Friday's Spring Training game against the Washington Nationals. "I want to feel comfortable and throw the pitches with more conviction," Valdez said. "Feel like I have the game in my hands." Presumably, if calling his own pitches works well for the southpaw this spring, he'll continue to do so in the regular season. Valdez dominated to the tune of a 3.50 FIP, 9.09 K/9, 2.59 BB/9, and 54.2 GB% last year, and he figures to remain a strong option throughout fantasy baseball in 2024.

The Houston Astros avoided salary arbitration on Thursday with left-hander Framber Valdez by settling on a $12.1 million salary for the 2024 season, according to a source. Valdez will almost be doubling his salary for this upcoming season. The 30-year-old southpaw has been as durable as they come in the last two seasons, posting a strong 3.13 ERA (3.28 FIP) and 1.14 WHIP with 394 strikeouts over 399 1/3 innings covering 62 starts for the Astros. He didn't get the results he wanted in the postseason and could have been wearing down late in the season. A high ground-ball rate and plenty of strikeout upside give Valdez a high floor for fantasy managers, although he's best drafted as a No. 2 for your fantasy rotation.