Valdez (1-2) allowed three runs on two hits and two walks while striking out two in 6.1 innings to take the loss in Sunday's game against the Blue Jays.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez has now posted three quality starts in his first five outings this season, but the Astros were unable to generate much offensive production in Sunday's 3-2 loss. The southpaw completed five scoreless frames to begin the game but gave up three runs in the sixth and seventh prior to his removal. However, Valdez threw 101 pitches in the defeat and now has a 3.42 ERA and 1.22 WHIP in 26.1 innings this year. He tentatively lines up to start Saturday's game against the Tigers at home.

Valdez allowed one run (none earned) on four hits and two walks while striking out five across six innings Monday against the Rangers. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez was regularly in danger in the latter half of his start, as he allowed multiple hitters to reach base in each of his final three frames. However, he induced 10 groundball outs to work around the traffic on the basepaths and turn in an effective outing. Though Valdez has maintained a 3.15 ERA across 20 innings to begin the season, he has now walked multiple batters in each of his last three starts -- something he will need to improve upon to remain effective.

Valdez (1-1) took the loss after allowing six runs on eight hits and four walks with three strikeouts in 4.1 innings in Tuesday's 7-2 loss against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez allowed a run each in the second and fourth inning and was able to limit the damage thanks to a double-play and an outfield assist. He retired Shohei Ohtani to start the fifth but then gave up four consecutive singles and was replaced. Following an excellent Opening Day start, the 28-year-old has struggled over his next two starts, allowing 20 baserunners and seven runs in just 7.1 innings. His next start is scheduled for Sunday in Texas.

Valdez allowed a run on two hits and five walks in three innings while striking out three in a 3-2 loss Wednesday in Arizona. He did not factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Four of Valdez's five walks were on four pitches and he also hit a batter as he struggled with his command all day. He needed 75 pitches to get through three innings. The 28-year-old has averaged 4.0 BB/9 for his career, so Wednesday's struggles are nothing new. His next start is likely early next week against the Angels.

Valdez (1-0) allowed two hits and one walk while striking out six across 6.2 scoreless innings to earn the win Thursday against the Angels.

EDGE Analysis

Many pitchers will struggle this week to work deep into their first starts after a shortened spring training, but Valdez was incredibly efficient and put together a dominant outing. His method to get there was familiar, as he induced nine groundball outs, though he also racked up 11 swinging strikes on 84 total pitches. Valdez has put together two consecutive seasons with an ERA below 3.60, and his first start of the 2022 campaign makes those results look attainable once again.

Valdez, who was scheduled to pitch in Saturday's Grapefruit League game against the Cardinals, will now pitch in a minor-league game on the back fields, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Due to the threat of inclement weather Saturday, the Astros will alter Valdez's pitching plans to make sure that he's able to get some work in. The southpaw has been named the starter for Thursday's Opening Day matchup against the Angels, so Saturday's outing should serve as a final tune-up ahead of the regular season. Brandon Bielak will now serve as the starter in Saturday's Grapefruit League game.

Valdez will start the Astros' Opening Day matchup against the Angels on April 7, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Although Justin Verlander is healthy after re-signing with the Astros during the offseason, Valdez will take the mound during the first game of the season, followed by Jake Odorizzi and Verlander. In his first spring start, Valdez struck out three in three scoreless innings. The southpaw made 22 starts for Houston last year and recorded a 3.14 ERA and 1.25 WHIP in 134.2 innings.

Valdez signed one-year, $3 million contract with the Astros on Tuesday to avoid arbitration, Kiley McDaniel of ESPN.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It's a solid figures for Valdez's first year of arbitration eligibility, which isn't a major surprise given he delivered a 3.14 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 125:58 K:BB across 134.2 innings (22 starts) last season. The 28-year-old will once again be a major piece of Houston's starting rotation in 2022.

Valdez (0-1) allowed five runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out two in two innings to take the loss against Atlanta in Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez gave up a leadoff home run to begin Tuesday's contest, and he continued to struggle throughout his outing. He allowed three runs across the first two innings and gave up a two-run homer with no outs in the third inning prior to his removal. The 27-year-old had allowed just four runs (three earned) in 10.2 innings across his last two appearances, and he tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road Sunday in Game 5.

Valdez will start Game 1 of the World Series against Atlanta on Tuesday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez pitched eight excellent frames in Game 5 of the ALCS versus Boston, and he'll take the mound in the first game of the World Series for Houston. The left-hander has a 4.20 ERA, 1.40 WHIP and 13:5 K:BB through three starts (15 innings) this postseason.