Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez made his spring training debut Monday, striking out three batters while throwing 30 of 43 pitches for strikes in three scoreless innings against the Atlanta Braves. The 32-year-old allowed just two singles without any walks, facing 12 batters in his first outing since signing a $115 million, three-year contract with Detroit last month.

Valdez, a two-time All-Star and 2022 World Series champion with Houston, showcased his signature ground ball pitching, generating four ground ball outs against the Braves. The hits against him came on a slow infield roller to third base and a grounder through the right side of the infield. His sinker reached 95 mph, including a pair thrown to Brett Wisely in the second inning that resulted in a swing-and-miss and a called third strike.

Detroit's rotation now features two-time defending AL Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal and three-time Cy Young winner Justin Verlander alongside Valdez. In his first eight big league seasons with the Astros, Valdez compiled an 81-52 record with a 3.36 ERA, averaging more than 191 innings over the past four years as Houston's Opening Day starter.