Astros MLB 2023: Opening Day Starting Pitching Snapshot

Houston's Framber Valdez slated to face Chicago's Dylan Cease on Opening Day at Minute Maid Park.

With opening day for the Major League Baseball season moments away, it's time to take a quick glance at what's in store on day one for the Houston Astros in 2023.

Houston begins its quest to defend the 2022 World Series title on Thursday, March 30 at 7:08 p.m. Central Time against the Chicago White Sox at Minute Maid Park.

On the mound for the Astros: southpaw Framber Valdez, who posted a 2.82 ERA with a 17-6 record (31 starts) last season in Houston.

On the bump for the White Sox: righty Dylan Cease, who garnered a 2.20 ERA with a 14-8 record (32 starts) in 2022 for Chicago.

Delving a little deeper into those stats, Valdez notched three complete games over 201.1 innings pitched with 194 strikeouts and 67 walks last year.

In postseason play, Valdez was even better than during the regular season -- going 3-0 (four starts) with a 1.44 ERA and 33 strikeouts.

Cease, meanwhile, had one complete game over 184.0 innings pitched with 227 strikeouts and 78 walks in 2022.

He also finished second in the American League Cy Young ballots last year behind former Astros ace Justin Verlander.

Cease has, however, struggled against Houston in his career -- going 0-3 with a 6.30 ERA (four starts).

Regardless, both of these pitchers represent the best of the bests, and MLB Opening Day should be an exciting 24-hours from start to finish.

Opening day is less than a week away.

Are you ready, Astros fans?

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