Framber Valdez he has not yet given up throwing in 2021. He is considering avoiding surgery and hitting his broken ring finger again with a view to returning later this season, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network (via Twitter). In earlier reports, it appears that Valdez could miss the entire season after being recommended for surgery. It is clear that a final decision has yet to be made.
Despite the signing of Jake Odorizzi for a two-year deal, the Astros will of course welcome a healthy Valdez back into the fold. Still, that Houston had the need to conclude a deal for Odorizzi less than a week after the Valdez injury suggests that they are not all that optimistic, writes Jake Kaplan of the Athletic. Even if Valdez returns, he’s likely to miss some decent time.
Valdez, one of the breakout stars of the post-season in 2020, drove his distinctive curveball to a 1.88 ERA in four playoff games, while knocking out 29 percent of opponents. This effort built on a quieter but no less encouraging 3.57 ERA / 2.85 FIP over 70 ⅔ innings during the regular season.