The Astros' Winning Pitching Decisions
A closer look at the key pitching decisions that led the Astros to victory against the Dodgers. Trust, confidence, and pressure played a crucial role.
Framber Valdez News and Analysis
About Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez is a Dominican professional baseball pitcher born on November 19, 1993, in Palenque, San Cristóbal Province, Dominican Republic. He signed with the Houston Astros as an international free agent in 2015 and made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut in 2018. Valdez quickly became a key member of the Astros' starting rotation, known for his durability and consistent performance on the mound[1][4]. Valdez earned the nickname "La Grasa" for his distinctive fashion style. His breakout year came in 2022 when he was named the Astros' Opening Day starter, selected as an MLB All-Star for the first time, and chosen for the All-MLB First Team. During that season, he set an MLB record with 25 consecutive in-season quality starts. That year, he played a pivotal role in helping the Astros win the World Series, pitching effectively in both Game 2 and the decisive Game 6 against the Philadelphia Phillies[1]. Over his MLB career through the 2025 season, Valdez has accumulated a win-loss record of 81-52 with a 3.36 ERA and over 1,050 strikeouts in more than 1,080 innings pitched. He has continued to maintain high performance levels, earning multiple All-Star selections (2022, 2023) and being recognized as the Astros' Pitcher of the Year in 2020 and 2023. He was also named to the All-MLB Second Team in 2024[2][5]. Off the field, Valdez is known for his commitment to his community, notably fulfilling a personal promise by investing approximately $100,000 of his own money to build a church in his hometown. He has expressed that this project is a deeply personal and spiritual endeavor rather than a business transaction[7]. As of the 2025 MLB season, Valdez remains an active and influential starting pitcher for the Houston Astros, contributing significantly to their competitive success[3][6].
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