The Astros are better and deeper with a healthy Framber Valdez than not in 2021. There is nothing controversial about that statement. When it was reported earlier this month that last year’s breakout could possibly miss the entire 2021 season with a fractured ring finger on his pitching hand, it only intensified the bright light already on the club’s obvious weakness. By the way, that weakness is still present even with newcomer Jake Odorizzi on the roster, especially if Valdez is out for any length of time.
But the latest news about the southpaw’s injury does provide some optimism for the Astros, at least for the latter half of the upcoming season.