Valdez goes for revenge in World Series

Valdez (1-0, 1.42) will be the starting pitcher for Game 2 of the Fall Classic against the Philadelphia Phillies this Saturday at Houston’s Minute Maid Park, after last year against the Atlanta Braves, he didn’t even make it past the third inning in either of his two starts, Games 1 and 5.

“I’ve worked very hard to get to this point,” Valdez said. “I’ve prepared in every aspect since last season ended to be successful. We all yearn to get to the World Series and that was my goal all year.”

Valdez has had a much more dominant performance in the current postseason compared to the 10 runs he conceded in four and two-thirds innings in the 2021 World Series, which left him with a 19.29 ERA.

“I think the main difference from last year to this year has been consistency,” Valdez felt Friday before the series opener. “I’ve been a little more consistent in everything I do. I’ve felt the good results I’ve had all year.”

The 28-year-old Dominican had a 17-6 record with 2.82 earned runs allowed in the regular season. He was a starter and All-Star Game winning pitcher.

“He’s more mature as a pitcher,” Astros manager Dusty Baker said. “If you’re not trying to get better in this sport, then you’re wasting your time, especially if you’re a young player. It seems like we all want finished products before they’re finished. It takes time.”

“It takes trial and error,” he added. “It has to do with success and failure. Right now, Framber is at a very high level of confidence. And that always helps.”

Valdez made 26 quality starts on the season, including a franchise-record 25 in a row.

He already faced the Phillies this year with two-hit ball in five innings, allowing no runs and striking out 10.

His teammates before the opening game against the Phillies acknowledged that work, wearing allusive “Framber’s 2022 Quality Tour” T-shirts at practice, sponsored by outfielder Chaz McCormick.

“I was actually very happy that the guys feel comfortable wearing my jersey,” Valdez said. “I’ve accomplished a lot this year and a lot had to do with my teammates.”