UPDATE: Framber Valdez has voiced his frustration over the Astros’ defensive strategy following a disappointing 2-1 loss to the Washington Nationals last night in Houston. The loss marks a troubling five-game skid for the Astros, raising concerns among fans and analysts alike.
During a crucial sixth inning on June 26, 2023, with two outs and the Astros leading 1-0, Valdez walked Josh Bell. It was then that Nathaniel Lowe hit a groundball double into the right-field corner, allowing Bell to score and tie the game. Valdez expressed discontent with the positioning of right fielder Taylor Trammell, who was shifted towards center field instead of maintaining his position in right. “I saw the right fielder playing center field, and we have a center fielder for that,” Valdez stated through a translator. “I feel like the right fielder should have been playing right field. I was uncomfortable with that.”
When asked if he had discussed the defensive alignment with the coaching staff, Valdez replied, “I don’t have to ask the coaches about that. Baseball is a game of common sense. With me as a lefty pitcher, they don’t hit a lot of fly balls against me.”
In the same game, Valdez delivered an impressive performance, striking out 12 batters while allowing just three hits and one run over six innings. This achievement elevated him to become the 10th pitcher in franchise history to reach 1,000 career strikeouts, a milestone now set at 1,007.
However, the night took a turn for the worse in the seventh inning when Riley Adams hit a solo home run, sealing the victory for Washington and further complicating Houston’s season. The Astros now face urgent questions about their recent performance and defensive strategies.
The team will need to regroup quickly as they prepare for their next matchup, looking to break this unwanted losing streak and regain momentum. Fans are keen to see how the coaching staff addresses Valdez’s concerns and adjusts the team’s approach moving forward.
