CHICAGO — Left-hander Framber Valdez will return from the injured list to start on Sunday for the Astros against the Rockies in Mexico City, manager Joe Espada said Thursday.
Valdez was placed on the IL with inflammation in his pitching elbow on April 9. He has since thrown two bullpen sessions and will return without requiring a minor-league rehab start. Espada said Valdez should be able to throw 70 to 80 pitches in his first start back.
Ronel Blanco will start Saturday in the opener of the two-game series at Estadio Alfredo Harp Helú. The altitude of about 7,350 feet means the ball is likely to fly – the Giants and Padres combined for 11 home runs in one game at the stadium last season — which could make having a groundball pitcher like Valdez all the more valuable to pitch one of the games.
“We’re just happy to have him back, regardless of where we’re playing,” Espada said before the Astros’ series finale at Wrigley Field.
“Just getting him on the mound to give us some quality innings. But it helps that in such high altitude, getting a groundball pitcher is beneficial.”
Valdez made two starts before going on the IL, allowing three runs in 12 1/3 innings against the Yankees and Blue Jays.
Espada did not announce who will exit the rotation when Valdez returns. Spencer Arrighetti, who was called up after Cristian Javier landed on the IL with a neck issue, seems the likeliest candidate. Espada said Thursday morning a decision had not yet been made.
