Name a more recognizable combination than Framber Valdez and quality starts. For the Astros, the timing was impeccable considering how the rotation has fared in recent weeks. Also, it would suck to face a potential four-game sweep at home against a division rival right before the All-Star break. I dislike calling any game a must-win in July — and I won’t do it now — but a loss would’ve been a wasted opportunity to at least steer the ship in the right direction, especially with your ace on the mound.
Thankfully, Valdez didn’t show any indications that his ankle injury, which prompted him to miss his last scheduled start, remains an issue.