Has Houston Astros' Ace Become a Liability in Postseason?

The Houston Astros are now down 2-0 in the ALCS round against the Texas Rangers after their ace was lit up once again in Game 2. With his continued struggles, has he become a liability?

What is going on with the Houston Astros?

That question might be going through their heads as they pack their bags and get ready for the road portion of the ALCS against the Texas Rangers.

If it's not, it's certainly going through the heads of fans who have been watching this series.

The Astros have not looked like the same team who has dominated the MLB Playoffs the past seven years.

They have been poor in clutch situations with runners on base. Besides the homers in Game 2, scoring runs have been hard to come by.

And their ace pitcher continues to hinder this team.

Game 2 was a great opportunity for Houston to even the series with Framber Valdez on the mound.

He's risen to the occasion in the past and has shown he is a primetime performer for this franchise.

That hasn't been the case this year.

After being an AL Cy Young favorite during the first part of the season, the wheels have fallen off for the left hander.

Post-All Star break, Valdez has an ERA of 4.66 in 14 starts. His playoff performances have been even worse, sitting with an 0-2 record and 11.57 ERA across seven innings pitched during his two starts.

That's not good enough for pitcher at the top of the rotation who is facing off against the best on the opposing staff.

It was evident in Game 2.

While Valdez was chased out of the game in the third inning after giving up four runs, Nathan Eovaldi on the other side showed his elite stuff when he got out of a bases loaded jam with nobody out.

The Rangers' ace finished the game allowing three runs through six innings and striking out nine batters.

He was able to get deep enough into his outing where Texas could use their best bullpen arms to close out the game.

That's not the current situation with Valdez, who has become a glorified opener with the Astros' relief staff needing to carry a heavy burden.

If the series gets extended, there is a legitimate question if Houston should throw the left hander again in a big moment.

Valdez could put all these questions and concerns to bed if he gets that opportunity and delivers.

But right now, it seems like he's more of a liability for this team than the ace that has been lights out in the past.