Overview

• After surrendering a grand slam to the Yankees, Valdez fired a sinker that struck catcher César Salazar, which both players said was an accidental cross-up and for which Valdez apologized.
• ESPN’s Jeff Passan reported that multiple team officials noted Valdez did not immediately check on his catcher, leading some to suspect intent, though they view it as just one data point.
• Valdez’s agent, Ulises Cabrera, called suggestions of intentionality preposterous and cited the left-hander’s track record and standing within the Astros.
• An Astros insider reported a postgame clubhouse confrontation over the incident that required coaches to intervene, a single-source account not corroborated by other outlets.
• Executives expect Valdez to draw nine-figure offers despite the episode, with projections around six years and $205 million, while some coverage notes Houston’s payroll history as a reason it may not pursue a top-of-market deal.