ARLINGTON -- The best thing left-hander Framber Valdez could do to put his controversial outing against the Yankees on Tuesday in the rearview mirror was to get back on the mound and deliver a solid outing.

He did so on Sunday afternoon in the Astros’ 4-2 loss to the Rangers at Globe Life Field. The question now centers on whether he can build some positive momentum in the final three weeks of the regular season.

Valdez, pitching for the first time since he struck catcher César Salazar in the chest with a crossed-up pitch five days earlier, threw seven strong innings and allowed four runs (three earned) en route to suffering his first career loss at Globe Life Field. (He was 5-0 in his first seven starts at the ballpark.)

Valdez, who was paired with catcher Yainer Diaz -- he has c

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