HOUSTON — Hours before he was set to start in the series finale against the Rangers on Monday, the Astros announced that scheduled starting pitcher Framber Valdez was scratched with left elbow soreness.
Valdez had no decisions in his first two starts, both Houston losses. He has allowed three runs in 12 1/3 innings with six walks and 10 strikeouts.
Valdez was 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in a second consecutive All-Star season in 2023. He won 17 games in 2022.
Houston called up Blair Henley to take the mound. He will be making his big-league debut. He pitched three seasons for the Texas Longhorns before the Astros drafted him in the seventh round in 2019. He made one start for Sugar Land this season.
After losing the first two games of the series against the defending champions, the Astros bounced back to win Sunday night behind a solid start by Ronel Blanco.
