Framber Valdez Shaky in First Spring Training Outing

The last time we saw Framber Valdez on the mound for the Astros, it was an ALCS Game 6 loss at home at Minute Maid Park last fall, taking a loss to the Texas Rangers. It was Valdez's third loss of last postseason, taking one vs the Twins in the ALDS, before going 0-2 vs Texas in the ALCS, with a 9.00 ERA.

So with a full offseason of work, and a new catcher behind home plate in Yainer Diaz with the departure of Martin Maldonado in free agency, fans were excited to see what Valdez would look like this spring. On Friday afternoon, Valdez faced the Washington Nationals where he gave up a leadoff homerun to CJ Abrams, ultimately surrendering three runs off five hits with a walk, a hit batter and two strikeouts.

After the outing, Valdez chalked it up to not yet being at 100 percent. Some fans are concerned however as Justin Verlander's status is still up in the air for Opening Day, and the hope is Valdez settles back down to looking like the Cy Young candidate he was for several seasons.