Ranking the five least likely 2020 MLB postseason heroes

BALTIMORE, MD - SEPTEMBER 19: Randy Arozarena #56 of the Tampa Bay Rays celebrates a home run during a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on September 19, 2020 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /

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(Photo by Harry How/Getty Images) /

(4) Framber Valdez, Houston Astros

The Houston Astros went through its share of ups and downs throughout the 2020 campaign. Much of this came as fallout from the club’s sign-stealing scandal. Nonetheless, the Astros earned a spot in the postseason despite a sub-.500 record.

Yet, the blows continued. Zack Greinke struggled down the stretch and ace Justin Verlander’s season ended early because of Tommy John surgery. Houston’s lineup still left opposing pitchers fearful, yet the Astros had some serious question marks about its pitching rotation entering the postseason.

Enter Framber Valdez, a 26-year-old lefty that owns a career ERA above four. Without missing a beat, Valdez stepped into the ace role of the Astros starting pitching staff.

Valdez went 3-1 in three starts and four appearances with a 1.88 ERA and 1.00 WHIP. The left-hander pitched seven innings in Game 2 of the ALDS against the Oakland Athletics, allowing just two runs. He helped carry Houston to a Game 7 in the ALCS against the Tampa Bay Rays before Tampa Bay ultimately punched its ticket to the World Series.

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