Tigers' pitcher Valdez suspended for hitting opponent

TL;DR

Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez received a six-game suspension for intentionally hitting Boston's Trevor Story with a pitch, leading to his ejection and a bench-clearing incident. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was also suspended for one game due to the incident.

Key points

Framber Valdez suspended for six games
Hit Trevor Story with a 94mph fastball
Bench-clearing skirmish followed the incident
A.J. Hinch received a one-game suspension
Valdez denied intent to hit Story

Detroit TigersBoston Red Sox

Detroit ace Framber Valdez walks off the field after being ejected for hitting Boston opponent Trevor Story with a pitch (Mike Mulholland) (Mike Mulholland/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP) Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez was handed a six-game suspension and given an undisclosed fine from Major League Baseball on Wednesday for intentionally throwing a pitch at Boston Red Sox star Trevor Story. Valdez triggered a bench-clearing skirmish and was ejected on Tuesday after plunking Story with a 94mph fastball in the fourth inning of the Tigers' 10-3 drubbing by Boston. MLB senior vice-president of on-field operations Michael Hill announced Valdez's punishment in a brief statement. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch was given a one-game suspension and also fined for Valdez's actions. Speaking after the game on Tuesday, Dominican left-hander Valdez, who had just given up back-to-back home runs before the incident, denied hitting Story on purpose. "It was not on purpose," Valdez told US media through an interpreter. "It might've looked like that but it wasn't. I was trying to throw a strike after two consecutive home runs, and the pitch just came out of my hand." However Valdez received scant backing from his own manager Hinch, who admitted the incident had left a sour taste. "We play a really good brand of baseball here," Hinch said. "That doesn't feel like it. That's not judging intent. I have no idea. "But when you go out on the field and end up in those confrontations, you usually feel like you're in your right. "It didn't feel good being out there." The Tigers, who have reached the playoffs for the past two seasons under Hinch, are leading the American League Central division despite making a lackluster 18-19 start to the season. rcw/bb

Q&A

What was Framber Valdez's punishment for hitting Trevor Story?

Framber Valdez was suspended for six games and fined by Major League Baseball for intentionally hitting Trevor Story with a pitch.

Why did Framber Valdez hit Trevor Story with a pitch?

Valdez claimed it was not intentional, stating he was trying to throw a strike after giving up back-to-back home runs.

What consequences did the Tigers face after the incident with Valdez?

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch received a one-game suspension and a fine due to Valdez's actions during the game.