Astros ace Hunter Brown, out since March 31, to return to rotation - ESPN

Houston Astros ace right-hander Hunter Brown, who hasn't pitched in a major league game since March 31 due to a Grade 2 shoulder strain, will return to the starting rotation Tuesday.

Brown, who will be reinstated from the 60-day injured list, is scheduled to take the mound at home against the Detroit Tigers and former teammate Framber Valdez on Tuesday. He has made four rehab starts, including a five-inning outing for Triple-A Sugar Land in his last appearance.

Brown, 27, has an 0.84 ERA over his first two starts this season, with 17 strikeouts in 10⅔ innings. He has won 11 or more games in three consecutive seasons.

After some initial struggles early in his career, Brown broke through during the 2024 season. Last season, the right-hander posted a 2.43 ERA over 31 starts, leading the Astros' staff with 6.1 WAR and finishing third in the American League Cy Young Award voting.