SEATTLE -- The Astros are swapping out left-handed pitchers and are planning to call up Framber Valdez, their 11th-ranked prospect by MLB Pipeline, from Triple-A Fresno to take the roster spot of Cionel Perez, who was optioned to Fresno following Monday's loss to the Mariners.
Valdez will be making his first appearance on a Major League roster after going 6-5 with a 4.11 ERA in 22 games (14 starts) this year, with all but two appearances coming with Double-A Corpus Christi. The 24-year-old threw 5 2/3 innings on Aug. 14 for Fresno in his most recent appearance, so he would be ready to pitch multiple innings Tuesday in a game the Astros are patching together with relievers (Brad Peacock is starting).