Framber Valdez insists hit-by-pitch wasn't intentional. Trevor Story counters, 'We all know what's what'
Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez hit Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story with a 94-mph fastball on Tuesday, later claiming it was unintentional despite surrendering back-to-back home runs moments earlier.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez walks to the dugout after being ejected from Tuesday's game against the Boston Red Sox. (Mike Mulholland / Getty Images) Framber Valdez was having a rough night, but the Detroit Tigers pitcher insists he didn't take his frustrations out on Boston Red Sox batter Trevor Story . Valdez had given up 10 runs, including back-to-back solo home runs in the previous two at bats, when Story took the plate in the top of the fourth inning on Tuesday at Comerica Park.
What happened next wasn't intentional — at least that's what Valdez said after the Tigers' 10-3 loss. Read more: A star pitcher at USC, he was cut after six years in the minors. Then Banana Ball came calling Not everybody believes him.
With his first pitch of the at-bat, Valdez hit Story with a 94-mph fastball in the numbers on the back of the Red Sox shortstop's jersey. Story wasn't happy as plate umpire Adam Beck stepped between him and the mound. The benches cleared and the bullpens emptied, but no punches were thrown and order was quickly restored.
Valdez was ejected from the game but later said the situation wasn't as it may have appeared. Benches clear in the 4th inning of the Red Sox-Tigers game in Detroit. pic.