Red Sox, Tigers benches clear as Valdez ejected for drilling Story (1:09)Trevor Story is plunked by a Framber Valdez fastball, resulting in the pitcher getting ejected and the benches clearing in the fourth inning of Red Sox-Tigers. (1:09)
ESPN News ServicesMultiple AuthorsMay 5, 2026, 11:54 PM ET
Valdez was eventually ejected by third base umpire Dan Iassogna, ending a night that saw him allow 10 runs — seven earned — in three-plus innings of an eventual 10-3 Red Sox win.
“We play a really good brand of baseball here. That didn’t feel like it,” said the Detroit manager, who spoke to an angry Contreras while everyone was on the field. “It’s not judging intent; I have no idea. But I know when you go out on the field and you end up sort of in those confrontations, you usually feel like you’re in your right. And it didn’t feel good being out there.
“So I understand their frustrations. I understand the moment, and it was a low moment of a frustrating night.”
“Those are my guys, and it means a lot to me,” Story said, referring to teammates rushing onto the field. “We spend a lot of time together, and it is always good to see they have your back.”
“Yes, I do think (it was intentional),” Tracy told reporters. “I thought it was weak, and I thought everybody saw it. Their side, our side, I think everybody saw it. And yeah, it was weak.”
A suspension for Valdez would be damaging for the Tigers, who are down to three healthy starting pitchers with Tarik Skubal (elbow), Casey Mize (hamstring) and Justin Verlander (hip) all on the injured list.
Red Sox, Tigers benches clear as Valdez ejected for drilling Story (1:09)Trevor Story is plunked by a Framber Valdez fastball, resulting in the pitcher getting ejected and the benches clearing in the fourth inning of Red Sox-Tigers. (1:09)
Trevor Story is plunked by a Framber Valdez fastball, resulting in the pitcher getting ejected and the benches clearing in the fourth inning of Red Sox-Tigers. (1:09)
The benches then cleared, though no punches were thrown.
Hinch, though, didn’t take the side of the first-year Tigers pitcher.
For Boston, it was a uniting moment amid a woeful start to the season.
Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy, meanwhile, didn’t buy Valdez’s excuse.
Information from The Associated Press was used in this report.