The Detroit Tigers pitcher was punished after hitting Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story with a 94mph fastball during Tuesday's 10-3 loss at Comerica Park, triggering a benches-clearing brawl.
Valdez was ejected in the fourth inning after Boston built a 10-2 lead with back-to-back home runs by Willson Contreras and Wilyer Abreu, while Red Sox interim manager Chad Tracy called the pitch intentional.
Valdez denied intent and said he should have received a warning first; earlier reports said Tigers manager A.J. Hinch also received a one-game suspension and an undisclosed fine.
Was Valdez's dangerous pitch a response to alleged cheating, and will MLB investigate the Red Sox next?
After his latest meltdown, is Framber Valdez's $115 million deal already a liability for the Detroit Tigers?