Astros ace's controversy could end up helping Houston after all

Houston Astros starting pitcher Framber Valdez made headlines across the major leagues last week, but not for the reason he typically does. 

After the southpaw surrendered a grand slam to New York Yankees outfielder Trent Grisham, he beamed a 93-mph fastball to catcher Cesar Salazar, who had supposedly called for a curveball. 

Though the action was clearly intentional and definitely got some dirty looks from the Houston front office, it may have actually helped the team down the stretch. 

Framber's Controversy = Astros Gain?

Oddly enough, Valdez's stunt could help the Space City ball club retain the lefty in the offseason, assuming of course that they want him back after everything. 

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, at least one MLB team seems to have put their interest in the Dominican pitcher at rest.

Though that team wasn't specifically named, that team surely can't be the only one that would be deterred from making talks to acquire Valdez, which would leave Houston no choice but to keep him. 

After all, Valdez has still been a solid option on the mound for the team alongside Hunter Brown, putting up a 12-9 record with a 3.42 ERA and 171 strikeouts.