Apktool: PlatformBuildVersion information changes unexpectedly

Information

1. Apktool Version (apktool -version) 2.3.4 -
2. Operating System (Mac, Linux, Windows) Mac 10.13 -
3. APK From? (Playstore, ROM, Other) Own -

Steps to Reproduce

1. Delete all previous frameworks
2. Decompile apk, get Manifest with the following platformBuildVersionCode="27" platformBuildVersionName="8.1.0"
3. Recompile apk, then decompile again, and the Manifest contains the following platformBuildVersionCode="23" platformBuildVersionName="6.0-2438415"

So now playstore is rejecting the apk. What am I missing or is this a real issue?

Questions to ask before submission

1. Have you tried apktool d, apktool b without changing anything? yes
2. If you are trying to install a modified apk, did you resign it? N/A
3. Are you using the latest apktool version? yes