Valdez picked up the win with an excellent outing in Game 5 of the ALCS against Boston on Wednesday, allowing just one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five across eight innings.

EDGE Analysis

A recurring theme throughout the postseason has been starters failing to pitch deep into games, sometimes by design but often due to poor performance. Valdez contributed to that in his previous outings, lasting a combined seven innings in his first two playoff starts, but he did everything the Astros could have wanted this time around. The only blemish on his record was a solo shot by Rafael Devers in the seventh inning, but all that did was shrink the Astros' lead from seven to six. Valdez won't be lined up to start again this series, but it's possible he's available out of the bullpen for Game 7 on Saturday if the series goes the distance.

Valdez allowed three runs (two earned) on six hits and three walks while striking out two in 2.2 innings in Friday's win over the Red Sox in Game 1 of the ALCS. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez began Friday's contest by tossing two scoreless frames, but he was removed from the game after Boston put together a rally in the top of the third inning. The southpaw has now posted a 7.71 ERA and 2.43 WHIP in seven innings across his first two starts in the postseason. He tentatively lines up to make his next start on the road in Game 5.

Valdez will start Game 1 of the ALCS against the Red Sox on Friday, Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez settled for a no-decision in Game 2 of the ALDS against the White Sox on Friday when he allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out six in 4.1 innings. The southpaw will attempt to get back on track at home in the first game of the ALCS.

Valdez allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk while striking out six in 4.1 innings during Friday's win over the White Sox in Game 2 of the ALDS. He didn't factor into the decision.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez loaded the bases with one out in the first inning before allowing the first run of the game to come across, and he gave up three more runs in the fifth frame prior to his removal. The lefty threw just 69 pitches (43 strikes) in the outing but avoided the loss since the Astros put together a late comeback. The Astros now have a 2-0 lead in the ALDS, and Valdez's next start will likely come in the ALCS if the team advances.

Valdez will start Game 2 of the ALDS against the White Sox on Friday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez stumbled slightly in September, allowing four runs in three of his five starts that month, though it would be unfair to say he enters the playoffs in a true slump, as his 3.94 ERA over the course of the month is a perfectly respectable number. He'll follow Lance McCullers, who starts Game 1. Both starters would be on full rest if the series stretches to five games, so it's possible both could pitch twice in the series if necessary.

Valdez (11-6) took the loss in Friday's 8-6 defeat at the hands of the Athletics, allowing four runs on four hits and one walk with seven strikeouts in five innings.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez was staked to an early lead but surrendered one run apiece in the third and fourth innings and two in the sixth before departing to fall in line for the loss. The 27-year-old has now permitted four runs in three of his last five starts and concludes the 2021 season with an 11-6 record across 22 starts with a 3.14 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 125:58 K:BB in 134.2 innings pitched.

Valdez will start Friday's game against Oakland, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

EDGE Analysis

It was originally expected that Brandon Bielak would draw the start, but Houston is now likely focused on setting up its rotation for the postseason. Valdez will head into his final start of the regular season with a 2.98 ERA and 1.26 WHIP while also tallying 118 strikeouts across 129.2 frames. Jake Odorizzi and Jose Urquidy are lined up to start Saturday and Sunday, respectively.

Valdez didn't factor into the decision in Saturday's 2-1 loss to the A's, allowing one run on three hits and four walks over 6.2 innings. He struck out three.

EDGE Analysis

The 27-year-old was locked in a scoreless pitcher's duel with fellow lefty Sean Manaea through six innings, but after Kyle Tucker gave the Astros the lead in the top of the seventh with a solo shot, Valdez gave up a single to Khris Davis and hit Elvis Andrus with a pitch to get the hook after 95 pitches (52 strikes). Unfortunately, Kendall Graveman promptly allowed an inherited runner to score, costing Valdez his shot at the win. The quality start was his 13th of the year in only 21 outings, and he'll take a 2.98 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 118:57 through 129.2 innings into his final start of the regular season next weekend.

Valdez (11-5) earned the win Monday against the Angels after tossing seven scoreless innings, allowing six hits and three walks while fanning six.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez was coming off two straight outings in which he allowed four earned runs in each, but he bounced back admirably here and delivered his fifth quality start over eight appearances since the beginning of August. The southpaw owns a 3.16 ERA across 51.1 innings in that span.

Valdez (finger) will start Monday's game against the Angels, Danielle Lerner of the Houston Chronicle reports.

EDGE Analysis

Valdez was considered questionable to start Monday while recovering from a cut on the index finger of his left hand, but he'll rejoin the rotation after being scratched from Thursday's scheduled start. The 27-year-old has a 3.26 ERA, 1.27 WHIP and 109:50 K:BB across 116 innings this season.