Framber Valdez bounced back perfectly Tuesday, and it couldn't have come at a better time for the Houston Astros.

Valdez threw the third no-hitter of this MLB season to lead the Astros to a 2-0 win over the Cleveland Guardians at Minute Maid Park. Valdez faced the minimum 27 batters, recorded seven strikeouts and threw 93 pitches in the win, the fourth-fewest pitches needed in a no-hitter since 1901.

It marked the 16th no-hitter in Astros history and the first solo no-hitter since Justin Verlander threw one in 2019.

The defending champions indeed have reasons to speak with confidence. Valdez's no-hitter came just hours after the Astros reacquired Verlander in a deal with the New York Mets before Tuesday's trade deadline. Verlander brings a 3.15 ERA to the place where he shined for five seasons with two Cy Young Awards on two championship teams.