Houston Astros closer Jose Valverde has been dealing with soreness in his left knee since spring training that is affecting his ability out on the mound.

However, his statistics certainly aren’t bearing that out, as he has given up just two runs in 22 innings this year.

Valverde has been a savior for a Houston bullpen that has been completely picked apart through a number of trades the club has made over the last year or so to improve its offense.

His efforts closing out games have showed up in the standings too, as the Astros have surprised many by hanging around in the NL Central race.