Valdez is throwing a live bullpen session at Minute Maid Park on Thursday to help boost his pitch count.
“I feel like I’m ready to be a starter this season,” Valdez said last week through a translator. “I’ve had my mind on that ever since spring training.”
Mike Trout, Major League Baseball's best player, once said Valdez had the best stuff on the Astros' pitching staff.
Pitching coach Brent Strom takes such high praise seriously.
Valdez, however, is still growing as a pitcher. Baker noted Valdez missed a few signs when he pitched a short intrasquad scrimmage last Saturday.
Valdez gave up a three-run homer to Michael Brantley, but otherwise settled in with 49 strikes on 73 pitches in four innings.
Austin Pruitt had also been in competition for the No. 5 spot at spring training, but a bone bruise in his right elbow set him back during summer camp.