Framber Valdez suspension: Here's when he can return to Detroit Tigers

KANSAS CITY, MO – Detroit Tigers left-hander Framber Valdez is currently serving a five-game suspension from Major League Baseball for intentionally throwing at Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story in his last start.

He also continues to prepare for his next start.

The 32-year-old completed his scheduled bullpen session Saturday, May 9, before the second of three games against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium.

"He's able to work out with us, even though he can't stay for games and be in the clubhouse during the game," manager A.J. Hinch said before Saturday's game.

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Before the suspension, Valdez was supposed to start Sunday's series finale against the Royals – only for the five-game suspension to wipe out the original plan.

Without Valdez, the Tigers will rely on a traditional bullpen-only game.

Valdez – whom the Tigers signed in early February to a contract that could be worth $115 million over three seasons – is eligible to return from the suspension for Wednesday's game, which is the second of three games against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Expect Valdez to start Wednesday's game.

"His normal workload is going," Hinch said.

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