Valverde denies throwing spitball against Reds
CINCINNATI, OH - JUNE 10: Jose Valverde #46 of the Detroit Tigers pitches in the ninth inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Great American Ball Park on June 10, 2012 in Cincinnati, Ohio. The Tigers came from behind to win 7-6. (Photo by …
Posted: 06/12/2012
CHICAGO - Detroit Tigers closer Jose Valverde denies throwing spitball in the ninth inning of Sunday night's 7-6 win over the Cincinnati Reds.
An Internet video showed Valverde putting his glove to his mouth with the ball in it before delivering a 1-2 pitch to Reds catcher Devin Mesoraco. Mesoraco swung and missed at the 94-mile per hour fastball.
Valverde said he was wiping sweat from his face with his glove, not spitting on the ball. He said he saw the video and anticipated the media's reaction, laughing as a group of reporters approached before the Tigers played the Cubs on Monday.
Valverde is 3-1 with 12 saves in 15 chances. He has a 3.91 ERA. He said he has not been contacted by Major League Baseball.
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Watch video of the pitch below (Note to mobile and tablet users: Go to a browser version of WCPO.com to watch the video).
Copyright AP Modified, Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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