Framber Valdez is set to return from a five-game suspension for intentionally hitting Trevor Story. He expressed regret about missing games and disagreed with the suspension's justification.
Key points
Framber Valdez served a five-game suspension
He was suspended for intentionally hitting Trevor Story
Valdez is expected to return against the New York Mets
He felt sad leaving his teammates during the suspension
Valdez disagreed with the justification for his suspension
Detroit TigersFramber ValdezBoston Red SoxTrevor Story
What was he allowed to do during the suspension? He worked out with coaches on the field before games. But when the games started, he had to leave the clubhouse.
“I felt pretty bad once I got the news because I had to stay away,” Valdez said through Tigers interpreter Carlos Guillen on Tuesday at Citi Field. “I was not allowed to be in the clubhouse during the games. I felt terrible. I felt sad leaving the clubhouse and leaving my teammates when I had to go back to the hotel to watch games on TV.”
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts after giving up back-to-back home runs against the Boston Red Sox in the fourth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez (59) reacts after giving up back-to-back home runs against the Boston Red Sox in the fourth inning at Comerica Park in Detroit on Tuesday, May 5, 2026.
Q&A
Why was Framber Valdez suspended?
Framber Valdez was suspended for intentionally beaning Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story during a game.
When is Framber Valdez returning to play?
Framber Valdez is expected to return to the mound against the New York Mets on Wednesday, May 13.
What could Framber Valdez do during his suspension?
During his suspension, Valdez was allowed to work out with coaches but had to leave the clubhouse during games.
What did Framber Valdez say about his suspension?
Valdez expressed that he felt terrible about the suspension and disagreed with the decision, stating he did not intentionally hit Story.
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“It was not fair,” he said Tuesday. “I do not consider it was fair. But the suspension is over. I'm going back to the mound and going to help my team to win and do my best to get that win.”
Valdez owns a 4.57 ERA with 15 walks and 35 strikeouts across 43⅓ innings in eight starts.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said he just wants Valdez to “come out of it ready to pitch [Wednesday]. I mean, that's all you can really do. But it's hard being not being around the team during games. He's been able to get his work in. He's been consistent behind the scenes, and then he's had to leave each day and not be in the clubhouse or not be in the dugout. So we've got him center focused on the Mets, not making it any bigger deal than it is and get on with the season. But I hope he understands how important he is to us to get back on track.”
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers signs autographs for Brady Simmons, 11, Tyler Thomas, 12, and their father Nick Thomas, all of Port Huron after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
Detroit Tigers special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell signs autographs for fans during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
Detroit Tigers catcher Josue Briceño signs autographs for fans during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry signs autographs for fans at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle signs autographs for fans after practice at spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter signs autographs for fans before practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers signs autographs for Brady Simmons, 11, Tyler Thomas, 12, and their father Nick Thomas, all of Port Huron after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
1 / 10
See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Jake Rogers signs autographs for Brady Simmons, 11, Tyler Thomas, 12, and their father Nick Thomas, all of Port Huron after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers pitcher Beau Brieske signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Thayron Liranzo signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Monday, Feb. 16, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers pitcher Troy Melton signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers special assistant to the general manager Alan Trammell signs autographs for fans during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers catcher Josue Briceño signs autographs for fans during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers infielder Hao-Yu Lee signs autographs for fans after practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2026.
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See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry signs autographs for fans at practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
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Kevin McGonigle enjoying his first Detroit Tigers spring training
Detroit Tigers infielder Kevin McGonigle signs autographs for fans after practice at spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Friday, Feb. 13, 2026.
10 / 10
See Tigers signing autographs in 2026 spring training at TigerTown
Detroit Tigers pitcher Brant Hurter signs autographs for fans before practice during spring training at TigerTown in Lakeland, Fla. on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026.
Valdez struggled in his last start against the Red Sox on May 5 in Comerica Park.
He gave up seven earned runs in three innings, allowing three home runs.
“I just rewatched the game completely,” he said. “I just evaluated myself and evaluated everything and so at the end of the day, I just left everything to the analytics side, to the numbers.”
Some have speculated that Red Sox base runners were able to read how Valdez was gripping the ball because of how he was holding his glove and then tip off hitters to what pitch was coming.
But Valdez said that he has not changed his mechanics.
“I'm keeping the same mechanics,” he said. “Being consistent with every movement, being consistent with every pitch, with everything I have to do just to put the ball in the strike zone.”
He has focused more on throwing a four-seam fastball.
That’s the pitch he hit Story with.
"I don't want it to happen in a situation like that again,” he said. “I’ve added it to my repertoire for my next start. I’m focused on taking the field tomorrow and doing my best to help the team win.”
