Houston Astros Ace in Middle of Tight Race for Cy Young Award

The Houston Astros are vying to put another ace on the podium for the Cy Young award this season.

Last season Justin Verlander won the award with a historic season and now Framber Valdez is pursuing one of his own.

According to MLB.com, Valdez is currently fifth in the running for the award with some runway left to go in the season.

The poll put together by MLB.com voters took notice of his no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians, as well as his stalwart presence on the mound for the Astros.

"Valdez no-hit the Guardians on Aug. 1 in Houston, although the brilliant performance was sandwiched between a pair of six-run outings," writes Theo DeRosa.

"Still, the left-hander has become an ace in the midst of several pitching injuries in the Astros’ rotation. Valdez, who took a 3.30 ERA into Monday night’s start, has thrown the seventh-most innings of any AL starter and is the only MLB pitcher with two shutouts this season."

Valdez put together another good outing on Monday against the Miami Marlins where he gave up four runs (three earned) in 7.2 innings pitched.

He did give up two home runs and only struck out four however. His manager, Dusty Baker, was happy with the performance. Valdez was not.

Still, it's been players like Valdez who have kept the Astros within striking distance of the Texas Rangers for the American League West lead. Injuries, especially to the pitching rotation, have taken their toll all season.

Valdez has stepped up for his team every time he has taken the mound this year. It's that dependability that makes him so valuable.

A few more lights out performances this season might just be what it takes to see him up there on the podium this fall.

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