Framber Valdez ejected as benches clear between Tigers and Red Sox
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez was ejected during Tuesday’s 10-3 loss to the Red Sox after hitting Trevor Story with a 94 mph pitch, triggering a benches-clearing incident without physical altercations.
- Valdez had just given up consecutive home runs before hitting Story, but there was no clear evidence the hit-by-pitch was intentional, though emotions ran high on both teams.
- Valdez has a history of controversial moments, including a similar incident last season with the Astros, but he has maintained that such occurrences were unintentional and driven by competitive intensity.
- Tigers manager A.J. Hinch praised Valdez’s competitiveness and preparation, emphasizing his value to the team despite past incidents, especially as Detroit faces multiple injuries in their pitching staff.
- After Tuesday’s rough outing, Valdez’s ERA rose from 3.35 to 4.57, and any potential suspension would further challenge an already strained Tigers pitching rotation.
