An unexpected interaction between pitcher Framber Valdez and catcher Cesar Salazar during the Astros’ home loss to the New York Yankees on Tuesday night sparked a wave of speculation about whether Valdez intentionally hit a teammate in the chest with a pitch.
Many of the speculations were debunked by both sides: after the 7–1 defeat, Valdez apologized for the misunderstanding regarding the pitch selection, and the player’s representative said measures had been taken to protect his interests on Wednesday.
Agency Commentary and Official Stance
“There is no doubt about who Framber is and what he means to the team, and about his thinking regarding his role on the team.”
– Source: Houston Chronicle
“The idea that he is intentionally trying to injure one of his teammates is absurd. It is a complete affront to who he is as a person and as a player. His achievements prove it. Any denial of this is false and unacceptable.”
– Agent Ulis Cabrera
“Under no circumstances does a starting pitcher intentionally try to hurt a teammate.”
– Agent Ulis Cabrera
“Signaling mistakes happen all the time, just as a pitcher can miss a sign. It’s simply not a problem.”
– Agent Ulis Cabrera
On-field Timeline and Subsequent Explanations
Valdez, 31, whose adult life has largely revolved around the Houston organization, found himself under pressure as the bases loaded in the fifth inning, with the Astros trailing the Yankees 2–0.
When Valdez appeared not to pick up Salazar’s sign for a curveball, the catcher shook him off, and Valdez chose a sinker – that pitch lay at the heart of the events that sparked talk of close contact between teammates.
After the game, Valdez explained through translator Otto Lor: “We mixed up the signs”.
“We mixed up the signs”
– Valdez (via translator Otto Lor)
“When we went to the clubhouse, I apologized to Salazar and took full responsibility for it,” said Valdez. “He asked for a curveball, but I already had in mind to throw a sinker, so that’s the pitch I threw, and that’s what happened.”
Mutual Relations and Further Remarks
Salazar and Valdez say there is a good understanding between them: “I would never want to deliberately hurt anyone, but these things happen, and we were able to discuss it. We’re in a good place.”
Salazar, 29, noted that he pressed the wrong button on the PitchCom transmitter, and many Yankees fans continued to boo at the home venue after Grisham’s hit.
“This was a big moment for the Yankees,” said Salazar. “The stadium was loud; I thought I pressed the button, but I pressed the wrong one; I expected a different pitch, but that was all.”
– Salazar
Valdez’s agent Cabrera emphasized that it was wrong to expect observers to believe Salazar had been deliberately harmed.
“Under no circumstances does the starting pitcher intentionally try to hurt his teammate.”
– Ulis Cabrera
“Signaling mistakes happen constantly, just as a pitcher can sometimes miss a sign. It’s simply not a problem.”
– Ulis Cabrera
Valdez’s game statistics ended poorly: he allowed six runs on eight hits, including two home runs, one walk, and eight strikeouts over five innings.
Despite the media buzz, both sides emphasize mutual respect and readiness to move forward, focusing on upcoming meetings this season.