Tigers Pitcher Framber Valdez Suspended

Framber Valdez, the Tigers’ pitcher, has received a six-game suspension from MLB for allegedly “intentionally throwing” at Trevor Story, the Red Sox shortstop, as announced on Tuesday.

In addition to the suspension, Valdez is facing a fine, although the amount hasn’t been disclosed.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch has also been handed a one-game suspension and fined an undisclosed amount due to Valdez’s actions. As a result, he won’t be coaching during the series finale against Boston on Wednesday.

Valdez, who is 32, was ejected in the fourth inning of Tuesday’s game after hitting Story in his first at-bat. This incident followed back-to-back home runs by the Red Sox, putting the score at 10-2 in favor of Boston.

The Red Sox bench was understandably upset, clearing the dugout after the incident.

Despite the uproar, Valdez maintained after the game that hitting Story wasn’t intentional. However, Hinch seems to doubt the pitcher’s assertion.

Hinch commented, “I understand their frustration, the optics of the situation, really everything. We’re playing well, but it didn’t feel that way tonight. It’s hard to be judgmental, but you find yourself in conflict where you think you’re right. It was a frustrating moment on an otherwise good night.”

The Tigers signed Valdez for a hefty three-year, $115 million contract during the offseason.

Although a two-time All-Star, his performance had been lackluster, with a 4.57 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in three starts prior to this incident. The seven earned runs he allowed on Tuesday pushed his ERA from 3.35, adding to an already disappointing five-inning outing where he gave up eight earned runs against the Twins on April 8.

Despite the setbacks, Valdez has managed five quality starts during his time in Detroit.