Valdez's Plunk Sparks Debate Over Intent and Past Incidents

During the Red Sox’ 10-3 win over the Tigers, Framber Valdez hit Trevor Story with a fastball after Story homered twice, prompting benches to clear. Valdez denies intentional plunking, saying he was trying to throw strikes, while Sox manager Chad Tracy and others question intent. The incident echoes past scrutiny of Valdez, including a 2025 cross-up with catcher Cesar Salazar, fueling the broader conversation about his conduct ahead of free agency and his move to Detroit.