Framer Valdez’s Defense Amid Controversy

Valdez has at least one unwavering supporter—his agent.

The Astros’ left-handed pitcher found himself in an unusual predicament during a game against the Yankees on Tuesday night. He unintentionally hit catcher Cesar Salazar, who was wearing a chest protector. After the game, Salazar expressed some confusion about the incident, indicating that they had different views on what occurred.

Some, including former MLB pitcher Dallas Braden, suggested that the mishap might have been intentional, especially after Valdez allowed a grand slam to Trent Grisham in the fifth inning.

This cross-up happened when Salazar signaled for Valdez to throw a curveball, but the pitcher didn’t receive the message, leading to a sinker that resulted in the home run.

Following an at-bat with Anthony Volpe, Valdez inadvertently hit Salazar with a pitch, then turned away from the plate as he moved back to the mound.

Valdez’s agent, Ulises Cabrera, described the notion that Valdez purposefully hurt Salazar as “absurd.” He firmly defended the pitcher, insisting that Valdez’s character and dedication to his team should not be questioned.

“I have no doubt about what Flamber represents to his team. The thought that he would intentionally harm a teammate is simply ridiculous,” Cabrera stated.

After the game, both Valdez and Salazar downplayed the incident, acknowledging it as a misunderstanding. Valdez apologized for the miscommunication.

“He called for a curveball, but it got lost in the noise,” Valdez explained. “By the time he realized it, I was already in my throwing motion. So, it was completely my fault.”

Salazar added, “It wasn’t anything serious. I just picked the wrong pitch, expecting something else.”

Valdez, now 31, is a two-time American League All-Star and is approaching free agency soon, with an ERA of 3.40 and 166 strikeouts in 169.1 innings this season.