The Houston Astros entered the weekend tied for the lead in the American League West with the Seattle Mariners. After two straight home-losses to the Mariners, the Astros sit two games back in the division, hoping to avoid a sweep on Sunday Night Baseball.
The Astros had Hunter Brown on the mound on Friday night, and the Cy Young award contender delivered six beautiful innings, allowing just two runs and striking out nine batters. However, Houston's offense couldn't get on the board and it dropped the first game of the series.
On Saturday, Framber Valdez took the mound, and his outing looked similar to the rest of his post-All-Star break starts where he's struggled. Valdez couldn't get through five innings and gave up five runs, which became too much for the Astros to overcome.
Valdez Has Held Houston Back
Valdez entered August with a 2.90 ERA, and was the Astros' No. 2 starter behind Hunter Brown. The veteran had pitched to an ERA under 3.50 in four straight seasons and was well on his way to a fifth straight.
However, since the start of August, Valdez has given up at least three earned runs in eight of his nine outings and his ERA has risen to 3.75.
Framber Valdez’s ERA is 6.71 since August 1. pic.twitter.com/bSMP8teLqx
— Ari Alexander (@AriA1exander) September 21, 2025
The Astros' starter has given up at least five earned runs in five of his last nine starts, including three of his last four outings. In fact, in Valdez's last 10 starts, he's 1-7 with a 6.16 ERA and a 1.51 WHIP, and the Astros are 1-9 in those starts, according to MLB.com's Brian McTaggart.
The latest came on Saturday night when Houston desperately needed its veteran starter to give it a solid start as it fought for the top spot in the AL West.
Framber Valdez March-July: 2.62 ERA in 21 starts
— Adam Spolane (@AdamSpolane) September 21, 2025
Framber Valdez August and September: 6.71 ERA in nine starts
The Astros were 15-6 in his starts through July and entered tonight 1-7 in his starts in August and September
Valdez can't seem to figure it out on the mound, and it's coming at the worst time for the Astros. With Houston's loss last night, it dropped out of the final AL wild card spot and its playoff hopes are on the line.
The Astros will send Jason Alexander, who's been outstanding since coming to the Astros, to the mound on Sunday night in attempt to escape a sweep a steal a game back from the Mariners.