Valdez is starting at second base and batting eighth for Thursday's season opener against the Mariners, Christopher Smith of The Springfield Republican reports.
With Vaughn Grissom (groin) on the 10-day IL, Valdez will get first crack at second base Thursday ahead of Pablo Reyes. In spring training, Valdez slashed .204/.264/.531 with four home runs and seven RBI over 49 at-bats.