Astros' Valdez breaks finger on pitching hand

The Houston Astros announced left-hander Framber Valdez fractured his left ring finger Wednesday, according to Jake Kaplan of The Athletic.

There's no word yet on how long Valdez will be sidelined. Opening Day is less than a month away.

The 27-year-old sustained the injury Tuesday in a spring training game against the New York Mets, Kaplan adds.

Valdez is expected to be a big part of the Astros' rotation in 2021. He posted a 3.57 ERA with 76 strikeouts and only 16 walks over 70 2/3 innings (10 starts) last season.