Tigers manager AJ Hinch criticizes Framber Valdez after HBP ejection

Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez drew the ire of his own manager Tuesday night after hitting Boston Red Sox slugger Trevor Story with a pitch in the fourth inning, causing the benches to empty.

Valdez hit Story after allowing home runs to Willson Contreras and Wiyer Abreu. Valdez’s throw to Story’s body came in at 94 mph. Story looked at Valdez as Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler and home plate umpire Adam Beck stepped between the two.

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Detroit Tigers manager AJ Hinch talks with Boston Red Sox catcher Willson Contreras after Trevor Story was hit by a pitch during the fourth inning in Detroit on May 5, 2026. (José Juárez/AP)

Players and staff from both teams came out of the dugout, but no punches were thrown.

Tigers manager AJ Hinch wasn’t too happy with Valdez after the game.

“We’re playing really good baseball here. It didn’t seem like it to us,” Hinch said via ESPN. “It’s not about judging intent; I have no idea. But I do know that when you go out on the field and you kind of find yourself in these confrontations, you usually feel like you’re right. And it doesn’t feel good to be out there.”

“So I understand their frustrations. I understand the moment, and it was a dark moment on a frustrating night,” Hinch continued.

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Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Framber Valdez throws during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox in Detroit on May 5, 2026. (José Juárez/AP)

Valdez, who was deported, said through an interpreter that his actions were unintentional.

“It wasn’t intentional,” he said. “It might look like it, but it wasn’t. I was trying to throw strikes after two consecutive home runs. I was trying to get back in the zone and that pitch flew out of my hands.”

Story disputed Valdez’s assertion.

“It’s pretty indisputable,” he said. “I was there, ready to strike, and it showed way behind me and outside the numbers. We all know what happens.”

Willson Contreras of the Boston Red Sox is congratulated by interim third base coach Chad Epperson after hitting a home run in the fourth inning against the Detroit Tigers in Detroit on May 5, 2026. (José Juárez/AP)

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Boston won the game 10-3.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.