Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) delivers a pitch against the New York Mets in the first inning at Clover Park. Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports

Astros' Framber Valdez breaks finger on pitching hand

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/3/21

The Houston Astros' rotation took a hit on Wednesday with the revelation that left-hander Framber Valdez fractured his left ring finger, according to The Athletic's Jake Kaplan.

Framber Valdez fractured his left ring finger, per the Astros. No word yet on a timetable.
— Jake Kaplan (@jakemkaplan) March 3, 2021

Valdez sustained the injury during Tuesday's preseason game against the New York Mets while fielding a Francisco Lindor ground ball in the first inning.

There's no word on how long the 27-year-old will be sidelined. According to WebMD, a broken finger can heal in two to eight weeks. If it takes eight weeks to heal, he'll miss Opening Day, which is less than one month away.

Valdez is expected to play a large role in Houston's rotation in 2021. During the pandemic-shortened season, he went 5-3 with a 3.57 ERA, 1.118 WHIP and 76 strikeouts in 70.2 innings.

The Astros are already without Justin Verlander, who will miss the entire 2021 campaign after undergoing Tommy John surgery in October. That leaves Houston with Zack Greinke, Lance McCullers Jr., Cristian Javier and Jose Urquidy.

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