Following rookie Brice Matthews’ breakout performance on Monday, the Houston Astros will rely on veteran left-hander Framber Valdez to continue their momentum and secure a series win against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Phoenix. Valdez, who carries a nine-game winning streak and a surprising exclusion from the All-Star roster, seeks to bolster the Astros’ pitching performance in this pivotal game of the three-game series.
Matthews’ Emergence Lifts Astros Amid Injuries
Matthews, who is just in his fifth major league game, electrified the Astros and their fans by launching two home runs off Diamondbacks starter Zac Gallen and driving in five runs, helping his team to a 6-3 victory Monday. This win ended Arizona’s four-game winning streak and halted their push toward wild-card contention. Astros manager Joe Espada praised the young outfielder’s growing confidence, highlighting his improved plate discipline.
“You’re starting to see him believe in himself, getting the pitches he knows he can handle and then putting the barrel on the ball. He’s strong. Control the at-bat. Let the pitchers come to you.”
—Joe Espada, Astros manager
Drafted in the first round of 2023 out of the University of Nebraska, Matthews had struggled initially after being recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land on July 11 to fill in for an injury-depleted Astros roster, which currently has 16 players on the injured list. Reflecting on his game-changing three-run homer in the second inning, Matthews admitted to feeling a bit overwhelmed but hopeful for more success.
“I kind of felt like I was just galloping around the bases, I didn’t know really what to do. It was a lot of fun. Hopefully I can do it a little bit more.”
—Brice Matthews, Astros outfielder
Valdez Brings Winning Streak and Stamina to Mound
Valdez enters this outing with a 10-4 record and a 2.75 ERA, hoping to maintain his stingy pitching against Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez, who will be the opposing lefty. The Astros have struggled recently, dropping seven of their last nine games, but their recent victories have extended their American League West lead to five games over the Seattle Mariners, who lost Monday.
Despite a recent scare when Valdez was hit on the calf by a hard-hit one-hopper from Corey Seager during his last start on July 12, he finished six innings and struck out 10 while allowing just one unearned run in a 5-4 win against Texas. He was removed in the seventh after throwing 94 pitches. This durability and resilience will be crucial against the Diamondbacks.
The Challenge of Eduardo Rodriguez and Diamondbacks’ Struggles
Arizona’s Eduardo Rodriguez, with a 3-6 record and a 5.94 ERA, has faced difficulties in recent starts. Although June marked some improvement with a 2-1 record and sub-2.00 ERA, his July performances have been disappointing. In two outings this month, Rodriguez surrendered 20 hits and 13 runs, including five home runs, causing his WHIP to rise to 1.67, the second highest among major league pitchers with at least 10 starts. Rodriguez has also struggled against the Astros historically, posting a 1-7 record with a 7.51 ERA in 11 starts, with star hitter Jose Altuve batting .375 with two home runs against him.
Diamondbacks Look to Keep Wild-Card Hopes Alive Despite Setbacks
Eugenio Suarez provided some offensive spark for Arizona by hitting his fifth home run over three games, but the Diamondbacks remain a game below .500 and are 5 1/2 games behind the San Diego Padres for the final National League wild-card berth. Arizona manager Torey Lovullo remains optimistic despite recent struggles, comparing Suarez’s hot streak to an electronic game and emphasizing the team’s resilience.
“It’s unbelievable. We’re playing good baseball. We’re going to be fine.”
—Torey Lovullo, Arizona Diamondbacks manager
Valdez’s Performance Could Define Astros’ Push Forward
Valdez’s consistency and ability to handle pressure will be instrumental if the Astros aim to snap their series win drought, which has lasted since sweeping the Dodgers from July 4-6. A strong outing from him could not only clinch the series but also reinforce the Astros’ standing atop the AL West as they navigate through an injury-riddled roster and a challenging stretch of games. The showdown against Rodriguez and the Diamondbacks could provide the momentum Houston needs for the remainder of their season.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What religion is Framber Valdez?
A. At 14, he started going to a nearby church that had the motto “Camino al Cielo,” meaning “Pathway to Heaven,” and embraced his Christian faith.