The Houston Astros, fresh off a surprising home sweep by the Oakland Athletics, are gearing up for their final series before the trade deadline against the Washington Nationals. Starting on the mound is Framber Valdez, boasting an impressive record of 11 wins and a 2.67 ERA. Meanwhile, Washington counters with Brad Lord, who holds a 2-5 record and a 3.39 ERA.

This matchup carries significant weight as the Astros aim to regain their momentum in the season. The team is currently facing challenges, especially with the upcoming trade deadline looming, influencing their performance and strategy. Valdez will need to harness his skills to lead his team to victory and potentially influence the trade discussions surrounding the Astros.