Framber Valdez, Cesar Salazar Speak out After Controversial Pitch During Astros-Yankees

On Tuesday, Sept. 2 Houston Astros starter Framber Valdez got rocked by the New York Yankees, allowing six runs through five innings pitched as his team fell 7-1.

It wasn't his tough start that stole the headlines, though. Instead, his behavior on the mound immediately after giving up a grand slam led some to wonder whether or not he intentionally attempted to injure his teammate.

Valdez Hits Catcher Cesar Salazar With Fastball

Salazar attempted to get Valdez to back off of the pitch that was eventually mashed into the stands for a grand slam. During the ensuing at-bat, the pitcher and catcher got mixed up on what pitch would be coming across home plate with Valdez throwing a fastball down the middle while Salazar set up for an off-speed pitch.

Fans wondered whether or not Valdez mixed up the pitch on purpose in order to hit his catcher as punishment for throwing him off on the previous pitch.

Framber Valdez Speaks Out

Valdez maintains that the two simply "got crossed up."

"I called for that pitch, I threw it and we got crossed up. We went down to the dugout and I excused myself with him and I said sorry to him and I take full responsibility for that," he said in Spanish through an interpreter.

Valdez was then asked directly if he did it on purpose.

"No," he said. "It was not intentional."

"We were able to talk through it," he said. "We spoke after the game ... at his locker and everything's good between us. It's just stuff that happens in baseball. But yeah, we talked through it and we're good."

Salazar Offers His Insight

Asked about the mix up, Salazar admitted a mistake on the PitchCom system.

"The stadium was loud," he said. "I thought I pressed the button, but I pressed the wrong button. I was expecting another pitch, but it wasn't it."

The catcher made it clear he doesn't believe Valdez attempted to hit him intentionally.

"No, me and Framber we actually have a really good relationship," he said.