Framber Valdez will start Game 2 of the World Series for the Houston Astros on Saturday night against Zack Wheeler of the Philadelphia Phillies.
Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez reacts after stiking New York Yankees Kyle Higashioka during the seventh inning in Game 2 of baseball's American League Championship Series, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Houston. Jorge Soler drove Valdez's third pitch of last year's opener in Houston into the Crawford Boxes in left field. The Braves went on to win the World Series in six games, and Soler earned the MVP award.
Astros manager Dusty Baker said the only way to keep young players calm on baseball's biggest stage was to “hypnotize ‘em, I guess.” Valdez won Game 2 of the AL Championship Series against the New York Yankees on Oct. 20, giving up four hits in seven innings without permitting an earned run. He struck out nine and walked none.