Houston Astros scratch Framber Valdez (elbow) from start - ESPN

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Houston Astros scratched All-Star left-hander Framber Valdez from his scheduled start Monday night against the Texas Rangers because of left elbow soreness.

Manager Joe Espada said Valdez played catch Sunday and reported soreness in the elbow. The 30-year-old was sent back to Houston for further evaluation, though Espada added, in his pregame media availabilty, that not placing the veteran on the injured list is a sign the club doesn't believe the injury is serious.

The Astros called up right-hander Blair Henley from Triple-A Sugar Land to start in place of Valdez. The 26-year-old was set for his major league debut at the home of the Rangers, just a few miles from his hometown of Fort Worth.

Valdez had no-decisions in his first two starts, both Houston losses. He has allowed three runs in 12⅓ innings with six walks and 10 strikeouts.

Valdez was 12-11 with a 3.45 ERA in a second consecutive All-Star season in 2023. He won 17 games in 2022.

Henley pitched three seasons for the Texas Longhorns before the Astros drafted him in the seventh round in 2019. He has made one start for Sugar Land this season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.