Framber Valdez accused of intentionally crossing up catcher after giving up grand slam vs. Yankees

Houston Astros pitcher Framber Valdez has been the subject of speculation across MLB after fans alleged, he purposefully crossed up his catcher with a pitch in a moment of frustration in Tuesday’s game.

“Crossing up” occurs when a pitcher and catcher miscommunicate which pitch will be thrown, leading to confusion and even potential danger if the catcher is preparing to catch a pitch with lower velocity than what he is dealt, which is what happened in this case.

In the top of the fifth inning, the Yankees held a 2-0 advantage with the bases loaded and two outs. Valdez, who started the game for the Astros, was on the mound looking to secure the last out without adding to Houston’s deficit.

Much to the Astros’ horror, Yankees centerfielder Trent Grisham took Valdez deep for a grand slam home run that made it a 6-0 ballgame. The Yankees would hold on to win, 7-1.

Two pitches after Grisham’s slam, Valdez sent a 93 mile-per-hour pitch into Astros catcher César Salazar’s chest. Salazar appeared to be unprepared for the speed of the pitch, and it hit his struck his catching equipment.

Salazar immediately stood up and walked towards Valdez, looking visibly agitated. Valdez had almost no reaction, stepping off the mound and turning his back towards Salazar.

Further investigation into the moments leading up to the grand slam revealed that Valdez and Salazar were not in agreement on the fateful pitch. Salazar signaled for Valdez to call for time, and Valdez brushed him off and threw the home run pitch anyway.

This context caused fans to further speculate on Framber’s intent behind the cross moments later.

After the game, Valdez denied rumors that he intentionally threw at Salazar, saying that the miscommunication between the two happened by accident.

Valdez also said he apologized to Salazar in the dugout after the sequence.

Salazar also denied that the throw was intentional.

He said the Yankees’ fans in attendance were still being loud following the recent grand slam, so he pressed the wrong button on his pitch-com device, causing the mix-up.

He also added that he and Valdez “have a really good relationship.”

The Astros will face the Yankees again tonight. First pitch is slated for 7:10 p.m.