Framber Valdez

The Astros would only acknowledge that Valdez would miss one start, but they flew him back to Houston for further evaluations.

After not calling any of his pitches in 2023, Valdez will experiment with a device during spring training that he's never used before.

Pitching coach Bill Murphy visited both pitchers in the Dominican Republic this offseason as they try to rebound from second-half struggles.

Speculation abounds that the Astros could explore trades of their position players. But it's their starters who make more sense to deal.

Valdez has a chance to pitch the Astros back into the World Series on Sunday: "It's my job to be really calm."

Correa once hoped to be an “Astro for life.” In Game 2, he willed the Twins to a win they had to have.

The opening loss was frustrating, but the Twins still have a chance to take control of the series — if they can hit a good lefty.

"I think he's losing focus a little bit," veteran catcher Martín Maldonado said after Valdez gave up six earned runs to the Mariners.

Also in the notes: The latest reminder of Martin Maldonado's importance; the plan for incorporating Justin Verlander.

On a day when the Astros acquired Justin Verlander, Valdez reminded everyone that he is a bona fide ace as well.

Valdez threw the 14th no-hitter in Astros history during a 2-0 win at Minute Maid Park.

None of the season’s prior 92 games have better illustrated the tightrope Houston continues to walk.

The Astros have prevented Valdez from pitching in the All-Star Game and the World Baseball Classic this season.

Houston’s ace is an All-Star, as is its most indispensable player.

Verlander used to be the Astros' stopper. That title has been passed to Valdez, and Tuesday that came at Verlander's expense.

"I’m the one that has the most flow,” Valdez said, and that has proven to be true both on and off the field for the Astros ace.

Also in the notes: Framber Valdez's velocity conundrum; Cristian Javier's struggles with the running game; Yordan Alvarez's neck issue.

The Astros defeated the Phillies in Game 6 of the World Series to win their second title in franchise history.