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Framber Valdez #59 of the Detroit Tigers walks to the clubhouse after being ejected from the game during the fourth inning of the game against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park on May 05, 2026 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)

Detroit Tigers star pitcher Framber Valdez had a bit of a meltdown Tuesday night, purposefully hitting Boston Red Sox infielder Trevor Story in the back with a fastball.

This caused Valdez to be ejected, as well as a brief bench-clearing. This will now come back to bite him.

According to ESPN’s Alden González, Valdez has received a six-game suspension for his act.

He’ll begin serving the suspension unless he appeals.

Manager A.J. Hinch has also received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine. He will be serving his suspension tonight.

What Does This Mean for the Detroit Tigers?

Valdez’s frustration after giving up 10 runs (seven earned) in three innings was valid. His reaction was not.

Hitting Story will now result in a lengthy absence for Detroit’s star pitcher.

After the news on Monday of ace and two-time Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal’s elbow surgery, Detroit has lost its 1-2 punch in the rotation.

This leaves Detroit’s rotation in disarray.

With Skubal, Justin Verlander and Casey Mize on the injured list, Detroit’s rotation is incredibly thin right now.

Keider Montero and Jack Flaherty will have to pick up the slack as the only healthy starters on the team right now.

While Detroit will likely use an opener for at least one of its open rotation spots, the Tigers have a much-needed off day on Thursday to reset.