Baker on Valdez as Astros' Opening Day starter: 'This guy’s been a big-game pitcher'

Houston Astros third-year manager Dusty Baker has tabbed southpaw hurler Framber Valdez as the team's Opening Day starter, according to a report from the franchise.

The Astros, who are the 2021 Word Series runner-up, commence their 2022 season in Anaheim, California, against the Los Angeles Angels on April 7.

Valdez gets the coveted role after the club announced that veteran Justin Verlander won't take the mound in the season opener despite an apparent return to form during spring training.

“This guy’s been a big-game pitcher and I don’t think this assignment is going to overwhelm him," Baker said, MLB.com reported. "He can handle the World Series and all the other stuff. This is nothing.”

It's Valdez's first Opening Day start, according to MLB.com.

The website reported that the 28-year-old hurler from the Dominican Republic, was sidelined for two months during the 2021 season with a broken finger before returning to compile a 3.14 ERA in 22 starts and a 11-6 record. 

Valdez was instrumental in the Astros' 9-1 victory over the Boston Red Sox in last seasons' American League Championship Series. He started two games during the World Series.

Baker said, MLB.com reported, that Valdez logged one spring training start, which was the Astros' 2-1 win over former National League Central rival St. Louis.

According to the website, Valdez generated a pitch count of 30 through three scoreless innings.

Baker added that he'll roll with a five-man rotation to begin the season, MLB.com reported.

According to the team, Valdez is due to start one more exhibition game. His pitch count will reportedly increase to 50 pitches.

“You usually put a lot of pressure on your bullpen early if your starters aren’t built up, and then the starters get built up and hopefully take a little pressure off the bullpen,” Baker told MLB.com.