Framber Valdez placed on Astros' 15-day injured list with left elbow soreness

Astros starter Framber Valdez is on the 15-day injured list with left elbow soreness, the team announced Tuesday.

Valdez, considered Houston's top pitcher, was scratched from his scheduled start Monday against the Texas Rangers after feeling soreness while playing catch in the previous days. He returned to Houston on Monday morning to visit with doctors, while management indicated it was a good sign that Valdez had not been placed on the IL.

But a day later, Valdez is on the 15-day IL, retroactive to April 6.  Blair Henley, who started in placed of Valdez on Monday, was optioned to Triple A Sugar Land following game.

The Astros recalled left-handed pitcher Parker Mushinski and selected right-handed pitcher Wander Suero from Sugar Land. They also transferred right-hander Oliver Ortega (right elbow surgery) to the 60-day IL.