Overview
- Hunter Brown is slated to be reinstated and to start Tuesday at Daikin Park against the Detroit Tigers and former Astro Framber Valdez after four minor‑league rehab outings.
- Brown finished his rehab with a five‑inning Triple‑A outing in which he allowed one earned run and struck out seven, putting him on pace for a full pitch count in his return.
- The right‑hander has been on the 60‑day injured list since early April with a Grade 2 right shoulder strain that followed reported discomfort during a throwing session on April 3.
- To activate Brown the Astros must open an active roster and 40‑man spot, a decision that has prompted discussion of shifting to a six‑man rotation or optioning a current starter such as Kai‑Wei Teng.
- Brown was the Astros’ ace in 2025 and executives say his comeback should stabilize the rotation and ease bullpen usage; Tuesday’s matchup also carries added interest because Valdez said Houston never reached out to re‑sign him.