Framber Valdez has taken on the role of ace for the Houston Astros in Justin Verlander‘s absence.
But with the way he’s pitching, the Astros really haven’t skipped a beat.
Valdez has been racking up quality start after quality start.
For context, a quality start means that a starting pitcher throws at least six innings and allows three or fewer earned runs.
Valdez had tossed 23 consecutive quality starts, until last night, when he threw a complete-game shutout and bumped his streak up to 24, which ties the record for a single season.
Valdez allowed just six hits against the Detroit Tigers on Monday night, earning his 15th win of the season and lowering his ERA to 2.50.
Framber Valdez ties the single-season record for consecutive quality starts, and he does it with his first career shutout! 😤 pic.twitter.com/Dsl2AISc3T
— MLB (@MLB) September 13, 2022
Valdez Ties deGrom
Valdez just keeps on dominating.
He’s been a mainstay in the Astros’ rotation for a few years now and has already turned himself into an ace-caliber pitcher.
The single season record for consecutive quality starts was held by Jacob deGrom.
The all-time record is a tie between deGrom (2018-19) and Bob Gibson (1967-68).
Valdez is just two more consecutive quality starts away from tying that mark and three away from setting his own mark.
Valdez has been virtually unhittable over has past several starts and doesn’t look to be slowing down anytime soon.
He’s a dependable option in the rotation and somebody who they should feel comfortable starting in a postseason game.
And this is the best time of the year for Valdez to be as dominant as he’s been with the postseason approaching.
Perhaps we could see him go on a Madison Bumgarner type run.
For now, 24 consecutive quality starts will do just fine for the young left-hander.
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