Framber Valdez

Valdez got his first extended look as a starter in 2020 and the results were very good. He is really a two-pitch pitcher, with a very solid sinker and curveball, but he is able to get away with his lack of a third pitch by getting batters to pound the ball into the ground (60% ground ball rate) and limiting free passes, at least last year (5.6% walk rate). But without a third pitch, it seems unlikely that he can maintain the 26.4% strikeout rate he put up 70 2/3 innings last year. However, with a guaranteed rotation spot on a good team and nothing particularly fluky in his underlying metrics or statcast data, Valdez should be considered a viable SP3 for fantasy purposes, even if he seems unlikely to quite repeat his 2020 season.

Framber Valdez dominates Rays in Game 6 win

Framber Valdez allowed one run on three hits and three walks while striking out nine across six innings during Friday's 7-4 win over the Rays in Game 6 of the ALCS.

Fantasy Impact

Valdez limited the Rays to one run over six innings to pick up the win on Friday. Most of damage off Valdez came from an RBI double by Willy Adames. The 26-year-old threw a total of 101 pitches, landing 57 for strikes. Valdez has been outstanding in the postseason, posting a (3-1) record along with 1.88 ERA, 1.00 WHIP and 26 strikeouts over 24 innings. After trailing in the series 3-0, the Astros have stormed back and forced a decisive Game 7 on Saturday.