DETROIT, MICHIGAN – MAY 05: Framber Valdez #59 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch in the third inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

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Cole Sullivan

By Cole Sullivan

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The Detroit Tigers’ 2026 campaign has not been kind to their starting rotation, and Tuesday night against the Boston Red Sox may have made things even worse.

Framber Valdez got the start but lasted just three innings, failing to record an out in the fourth following a controversial moment in which he hit Trevor Story after surrendering back-to-back home runs.

The incident sparked a benches-clearing confrontation, and Valdez was ultimately ejected after allowing 10 earned runs — the only runs Detroit pitchers gave up all night.

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There is now a strong possibility that Valdez could face discipline for the incident, and according to ESPN’s Buster Olney, a suspension of around seven games is possible — which would likely cost him one, potentially two starts.

That would be a significant blow for the Tigers, who are already shorthanded. The team lost ace Tarik Skubal earlier this week and currently has Justin Verlander, Casey Mize, Jackson Jobe, Beau Brieske, and Will Vest all on the injured list.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - MAY 05: Framber Valdez #59 of the Detroit Tigers throws a pitch in the third inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

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Story reacted to being hit by pitch postgame and made it clear he believed the incident was intentional.

“I was in there ready to hit and it showed up way behind me, off the numbers. I think we all know what’s what. It’s pretty indisputable,” Story said.

When asked whether the Red Sox would retaliate in Wednesday’s game, he added: “We handled it. We said what we said on the field and I think that’s where it stays.”

More news: Tigers Face Major Setback After Latest News on Tarik Skubal

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