What happened: The Houston Astros released a cinematic tribute for former pitcher Framber Valdez on Tuesday, welcoming the left-hander back to Daikin Park. Valdez returns to face his former teammates for the first time since signing with Detroit in the offseason. The tribute follows the Angels' cinematic 'Once Upon a Time in Halowood' video as the latest high-end production in the AL West.
Why it matters: Valdez remains a beloved figure in Houston after helping anchor the rotation during the team’s 2022 championship run. His return comes as the Astros (33-40) look to stabilize their season following a slow start in the AL West standings. The organization's 'once a champion' framing underscores his legacy as the franchise's former quality start leader.
By the numbers: Astros 2026 Record: 33-40. Valdez Houston Career: 8 seasons, 2022 World Series Title, 1x No-Hitter.
What to watch: Valdez takes the mound against Hunter Brown in the series opener on Tuesday night.