Notes: Valdez healing; Báez a 'bit behind'

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- Astros manager Dusty Baker said left-handed pitcher Framber Valdez has returned to Florida and will spend a mandatory period in quarantine before rejoining the club for workouts. Baker said that Valdez is in good spirits after he received word on Wednesday that he won’t need surgery on the fractured left ring finger he suffered on March 2.

“He’ll hopefully clear Sunday and then he’ll be in camp to do his conditioning, and he’ll be going to see the hand therapist almost daily,” Baker said. “He’s doing great. He’s in great spirits and he looked great.”

Valdez had been in Los Angeles to visit with hand surgeon Dr. Steve Shin, who didn’t recommend surgery on the finger. The Astros said there’s no timetable for Valdez’s return, but it’s safe to say he won’t be ready for Opening Day. When he’s cleared to pitch, he would have to build up his pitch count, a process which could take weeks.

“It’s not swollen. It hasn’t healed,” Baker said. “Everybody’s healing processes are different. … He’s got some good blood. He’s a different cat, man. He said that through a lot of prayer and his mom been praying for him and stuff, so half of [his] healing is believing. I am convinced of that from my past experiences. I’ve had a number of operations. He’s nothing short of a miracle, actually, to be where he is right now. ... You know he’s going to hit a snag somewhere along the line, but so far he’s doing great.”

Valdez, 27, was a breakout performer for the Astros last year, going 5-3 with a 3.57 ERA and 1.12 WHIP in 11 games (10 starts) with 16 walks and 63 hits allowed in the regular season. Combined with the playoffs, he threw 94 2/3 innings in 2020, which was the most of any pitcher in the big leagues.

Báez likely won’t be ready for Opening Day

Baker all but confirmed Friday that veteran right-hander Pedro Báez won’t be ready to pitch on Opening Day. Báez came down with COVID-19 a couple of weeks ago and spent an extended time in quarantine. He’s playing catch but has yet to throw a bullpen session or face hitters.

“He was a little bit behind when he came in,” Baker said. “He’s not even close to being on the mound; he’s just playing catch.”

The Astros signed Báez to a two-year deal in December after he appeared in 355 games in relief in seven years with the Dodgers, posting a 3.03 ERA with a 1.096 WHIP and 131 ERA+. Baker hopes his delayed start to the season could help him be fresher in the long run.

“With Báez, him being on the Dodgers, he had a short winters the last three years,” said Baker, referring to the Dodgers’ World Series runs. “That’s why it’s hard to repeat. … This could possibly help Báez stay strong throughout the season when we do get him.”

Báez was one of three additions to the Astros’ bullpen this year, joining Ryne Stanek and Joe Smith, who sat out last year. The club also signed Steve Cishek to a non-roster deal. Báez’s absence opens the door for a long-relief option, such as Luis Garcia, Bryan Abreu or Brandon Bielak, to make the club.

Pettis to miss opener

Baker said third-base coach Gary Pettis won’t be with the team to start the regular season while he undergoes treatment for multiple myeloma. Pettis left the Astros last September and was diagnosed with the disease, which is a cancer of plasma cells. Omar Lopez will begin the season as third-base coach, with Dan Firova at first base.

“We’re hoping to have him back sometime in the early summer,” Baker said. “He checks in every day and he still in charge of the baserunning and he’s been Zooming with some of our coaches and players and is in charge of the outfield and stuff. He’s very much active and we very much miss him. And he misses us.”

Baker said the club hopes to be able to see Pettis in person when it visits Anaheim on April 4-5, if the protocols allow it. Pettis lives in Southern California.

Pettis, 62, has spent the previous six seasons as Houston’s third-base coach after spending eight years with the Rangers as their third-base coach (2013-14) and first-base coach (’07-12). He also served on the Major League staffs of the Mets (’03-04) and White Sox (’01-02) and had a handful of Minor League coaching stops. A five-time Gold Glove winner, Pettis played 11 years in the big leagues with the Angels (1982-87), Tigers (‘88-89), Rangers (‘90-91) and Padres (’92).

Worth noting

• Veteran right-hander Zack Greinke, who was away from camp for a few days for personal reasons, has rejoined the club and will start Sunday against the Marlins in Jupiter, Fla.