HOUSTON, TX – July 29, 2025 – In a season that has seen its share of ups and downs for the Houston Astros, a moment of individual brilliance shone through last night as left-handed ace Framber Valdez carved his name further into franchise history. Against the Washington Nationals at Daikin Park, Valdez became just the 10th pitcher in Astros history to reach 1,000 career strikeouts.
The milestone strikeout came amidst another dominant performance from Valdez, who tied a season-high with 12 punchouts over six strong innings. Despite his exceptional outing, in which he allowed just one run, the Astros ultimately fell 2-1, extending their losing streak to five games.
Valdez, known for his unique pitching style featuring a devastating sinker that induces an abundance of ground balls, has been a cornerstone of the Astros’ rotation since his MLB debut on August 21, 2018. Over his career, which now spans eight seasons with Houston, the Dominican Republic native has evolved into one of the game’s most reliable and exciting hurlers.
Among his many accolades, Valdez is a two-time All-Star (2022, 2023) and was a pivotal figure in the Astros’ 2022 World Series championship run, where he delivered key performances. He also cemented his place in Astros lore by throwing a no-hitter on August 1, 2023.
Joining a prestigious list of Astros pitching legends who have eclipsed the 1,000-strikeout mark, Valdez’s achievement is a testament to his consistent development and his crucial role in the team’s success over the past several years. While the recent team results have been frustrating, Valdez’s personal milestone provides a reminder of the consistent excellence he brings to the mound.