Framber Valdez was ejected after hitting Trevor Story with a pitch during a game on May 5, 2026, at Comerica Park in Detroit. This incident led to a bench-clearing altercation and marked a disastrous outing for Valdez.
Valdez hit Story with a 94 mph fastball after allowing back-to-back home runs. The ejection occurred before he recorded an out in the fourth inning. He had given up 10 runs—seven earned—on nine hits and one walk through three-plus innings.
This performance was uncharacteristic for Valdez, who had never surrendered more than eight runs in any game prior to this outing. The Boston Red Sox went on to win the game 10-3.
Valdez is in his first season with the Detroit Tigers, having signed a three-year, $115 million contract. This contract set an MLB record for the highest average annual value guaranteed to a left-handed pitcher at $38.3 million.
After the incident, both teams were warned not to retaliate. Valdez did not protest his ejection and walked off the mound into the clubhouse.
His manager, A.J. Hinch, acknowledged the situation’s emotional intensity, stating, “I understand the frustration. I understand the optics.” Meanwhile, Chad Tracy suggested that the hit-by-pitch seemed intentional: “Yes, I do think (it was intentional). I thought it was weak, and I thought everybody saw it.”
Valdez defended himself by saying, “It was not intentional. It was not on purpose. It might look like that, but it wasn’t.” His ERA now stands at 4.57 through eight starts this season.
The aftermath of this game may have implications for team dynamics and future matchups between these two clubs.
