Framber Valdez’s agent denies intentionality in hit-by-pitch to his catcher

Controversy in the Astros: Intentional attempt by Framber Valdez?

Speculation about a possible intentional throw by Framber Valdez, a left-handed pitcher for the Houston Astros, towards his own catcher, César Salazar, has sparked an intense debate. The pitcher’s agent has called the idea “absurd” and “a complete lack of respect”. After Tuesday’s game, Valdez claimed to have apologized to Salazar, explaining that there was a “misunderstanding.” The incident occurred after the catcher urged Valdez to leave the mound, at which point the pitcher threw a pitch that hit Salazar in the chest. Valdez’s agent, Ulises Cabrera, in statements, defended his client, arguing that the idea that Valdez tried to injure his teammate is “preposterous” and “not correct”.

Both Valdez and Salazar, after talking after the game, agreed that the incident was not intentional. Salazar, for his part, explained that he had pressed “the wrong button” on his PitchCom transmitter.

I think I was absolutely frustrated, like anyone who has played any sport… you get frustrated, you get upset, you get angry. And these things happen.

Dana Brown, General Manager of the Astros

The Astros manager, Joe Espada, met with both players after the game to clarify the situation and hear both sides. Espada expressed his desire to put the controversy behind them and focus on the game. Cabrera reiterated that Valdez was surprised at the idea of having intentionally hit Salazar. “Confusions happen all the time, just like a pitcher rejecting a pitch. This is not a problem.” Sword seeks for all parties to move past the incident.