Framber Valdez delivered a stellar performance against the Milwaukee Brewers, throwing seven innings of one-run ball in a decisive 9-1 victory for the Houston Astros. With a season-high of 101 pitches, Valdez showcased his skills, allowing only three hits, one of which was a home run by Eric Haase. Valdez's ability to mix his sinker, curveball, and changeup effectively kept the Brewers off-balance. His outing helped the Astros avoid a series sweep and marked a return to form after an inconsistent start to the season.

Valdez highlighted the importance of focus and throwing strikes, achieving a high strike rate with 59 strikes on 101 pitches and only two walks. The Astros will lean heavily on Valdez as they embark on a challenging stretch of games. His performance could be instrumental in providing stability to the Astros' rotation, especially as they plan to use a six-man rotation to manage workloads. Valdez's success could be pivotal in the team's quest for playoff contention.

The Milwaukee Brewers secured their first win of the season, defeating the Kansas City Royals 5-0, largely thanks to the efforts of Eric Haase. While Haase's home run in the third inning was a highlight, his impact was more profound behind the plate, guiding rookie pitcher Chad Patrick through nearly five scoreless innings. Haase’s prep work, analyzing prior games and getting on the same page with Patrick, was crucial for the team's success.

The backup catcher, often overlooked, has been diligently reviewing every pitch from previous games, showcasing his commitment. Haase’s game-calling was pivotal, particularly during high-pressure situations, where his understanding of Patrick’s strengths helped navigate tough at-bats effectively. This preparation not only bolstered Patrick’s confidence but also highlighted the importance of the backup role in a team dynamic.

The Milwaukee Brewers have opted against picking up closer Devin Williams' $10.5 million club option for 2025, although he remains with the team as he is arbitration eligible for another season.

In other roster moves, the Brewers retained right-hander Freddy Peralta by exercising his $8 million option, while they declined catcher Eric Haase's option. Williams had a solid season despite injury setbacks, but faced challenges in the postseason.