Chad Tracy Slams Framber Valdez for Hitting Trevor Story in Red Sox-Tigers Game

Framber Valdez was ejected from the game on Tuesday after he drilled Trevor Story with a fastball in the 4th inning.

Chad Tracy Slams Framber Valdez for Hitting Trevor Story in Red Sox-Tigers Game

Framber Valdez, Chad Tracy and Trevor Story (Image via CBS Sports/MassLive)

Framber Valdez landed in hot water on Tuesday after he hit Trevor Story. Following the game, Boston Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy slammed the Detroit Tigers star, claiming he intentionally hit his player.

The Red Sox, who are at the bottom of the American League East standings, started hot in this game with a 3-run home run from Ceddanne Rafaela in the first inning. The Tigers pulled 2 runs back through a solo home run from Matt Vierling and a single from Wenceel Perez in the bottom of the first inning.

In the third inning, the Red Sox offense exploded again. With some smart batting, they put up 5 runs in this frame and took an 8-2 lead. In the fourth inning, they extended this lead through back-to-back home runs from Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu.

Valdez was not happy with his performance. With Tarik Skubal set to be sidelined for 2-3 months due to an elbow injury, the team was hoping for the former Houston Astros star to take on the role of the ace pitcher.

He had a tough outing as he gave up 10 runs (7 earned) in just 3 innings. After conceding back-to-back homers, the southpaw faced Trevor Story.

He ended up drilling him with a 94 mph fastball on the first pitch of the at-bat. Home plate umpire Adam Beck immediately stepped in front of Story as the Red Sox started yelling at Valdez. Soon after this, the benches got cleared.

Fortunately, there were no major fights after the benches got cleared. Valdez, though, was ejected from the game after this incident.

The Red Sox ended up winning 10-3 and took the series. After the game, their interim manager, Chad Tracy, called out Valdez and expressed that he intentionally hit Story.

I thought it was weak and I thought everybody saw it. Their side, our side, I think everybody saw it. It was weak.

Chad Tracy told the reporters regarding Framber Valdez

Valdez could now face some trouble in the upcoming days. If the MLB determines that he intentionally hit Story with the pitch, he could face suspension from the league. The Tigers, who already have a whole rotation on the injured list, might not be without Valdez’s services for a few games.

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Framber Valdez defends himself, claims ejection was unfair by the umpires

Framber Valdez was ejected from the game on Tuesday after he hit Trevor Story in the 4th inning. The Dominican international defended himself after the game and claimed that his ejection was unfair.

Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez (Image via MLB)

After Valdez’s hit, the benches got cleared as the two sets of players rushed onto the field. Though no punches were thrown, the 32-year-old pitcher later found himself receiving his marching orders from the officials.

While speaking through his translator, Valdez pointed out that he did not receive any warnings from the umpires.

It was not intentional. It was not on purpose. It might look like that, but it wasn’t. … I consider that (ejection) completely unfair.

Framber Valdez told the reporters through his translator Carlos Guillen

Meanwhile, Tigers’ manager A.J. Hinch did not seem too comfortable while defending Valdez.

We play a really good brand of baseball here. That didn’t feel like it.

A.J. Hinch said regarding Framber Valdez

For the Tigers, this was a second straight defeat, meaning that they had lost the series. With an 18-19 record, they will be looking to avoid getting swept before they face their division rivals, the Kansas City Royals, in a 3-game set on the road.

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Red Sox broadcasters took wild shot at Framber Valdez following his actions on Tuesday

Framber Valdez found himself in controversy after he hit Trevor Story. Following this incident, the Boston Red Sox broadcasters took a wild shot at him.

Framber Valdez
Framber Valdez (Image via ESPN)

After the pitcher hit Story, the Red Sox broadcasters expressed their displeasure. As they slammed the pitcher, one of them brought up the incident when Valdez drilled his own catcher, Cesar Salazar, last year against the New York Yankees after giving up a grand slam.

Let’s just hope he doesn’t cross up his catcher now because he’s mad.

Red Sox broadcaster said regarding Framber Valdez

Valdez has had a history of hitting batters. As per stats, the pitcher hit 32 batters from 2021 to 2023. While the hits have decreased a bit in recent seasons, he continues to find himself in trouble with some high fastballs.

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