Framber Valdez is reporting for duty…

The 29-year-old Dominican professional baseball pitcher, nicknamed “La Grasa,” will start Game 2 of the Houston Astros’ American League Division Series against the Minnesota Twins on Sunday.

Manager Dusty Baker made the announcement late last week. 

Valdez was 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in 31 starts this season. He threw a no-hitter against the Cleveland Guardians in August.

Valdez enjoyed a banner year in 2022, when he became the Astros’ Opening Day starter, an MLB All-Star, and an All-MLB First Team selection—each for the first time. And he compiled an MLB record of 25 consecutive in-season quality starts.

The Astros won that year’s World Series, the first championship for Valdez, who pitched six innings in the decisive Game 6 after having won Game 2.