VIDEO: Framber Valdez is throwing off the mound

As the rotation is lacking endurance, Framber Valdez shared some good news on his Instagram story.

While the Houston Astros‘ rotation is a shell of what it once was, Framber Valdez looked to be a blossoming ace of the pitching staff. The left-hander suffered a finger injury in his first start of spring training that has sidelined him since, but after progressing well in his recovery, Valdez is expected not to have surgery and have a possible return this season.

Although a timetable hasn’t been announced, it is great to see Valdez throwing off a pitcher’s mound for the first time since his injury. While continuing his rehabilitation process at the spring training facilities in West Palm Beach, the left-hander has gone from some flat ground throwing to pitching off a mound.

Although being posted to Valdez’s Instagram, Michael Schwab reposted the video to his Twitter:

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At one point, it seemed as if Valdez’s 2021 was over, and there was no chance of him returning for the regular season. While defying the odds of a return, the left-hander threw a few effective pitches even after sustaining his finger injury against the New York Mets.

In 11 outings in 2020, the left-hander went 70.2 innings with a 3.57 ERA and 76 strikeouts. While mirroring the same amount of starts as his 2019 campaign, it is evident that Valdez progressed well in a new role, as the rotation moved away from Cy Young candidate arms.

With the current rotation in mind, Valdez’s unknown return could make the pitching staff deeper. With Zack Greinke, Jake Odorizzi, Lance McCullers Jr. and Jose Urquidy being the other four starters, Cristian Javier would be an elite long reliever and possible sixth starter when needed.