Overview
- After giving up back-to-back home runs Tuesday in Detroit, Valdez hit Trevor Story with a 94 mph first pitch, benches cleared, and he was ejected from a 10-3 loss.
- MLB on Wednesday issued a six-game suspension to Valdez and a one-game suspension plus a fine to manager A.J. Hinch.
- Valdez denied any intent and called the ejection unfair, while Red Sox broadcasters and Story said the plunking looked deliberate.
- Former All-Star Eric Hosmer posted video alleging Boston runners relayed Valdez’s pitch grips to hitters, a claim not verified by independent reporting.
- The suspension costs Detroit a start from its top healthy arm at a time when Skubal is out for months and other starters are injured, which could force spot starts or an opener from the bullpen.