When Spring Training began, it appeared to me that Josh James and Austin Pruitt were the two frontrunners to be the final member of the Astros starting rotation. But even though those two have pitched well thus far, Framber Valdez has also forced himself into the conversation with a strong start in Grapefruit League action.
Valdez made his second start of Spring Training on Saturday against the Mets and looked good. He pitched 2.2 scoreless frames, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out four. Through two outings, he’s thrown 4.