Watch CBS News

Ventura: Sale Did Not Hit Martinez On Purpose

CHICAGO (AP) — White Sox manager Robin Ventura is taking with Detroit Tigers skipper Brad Ausmus for accusing ace Chris Sale of throwing at Victor Martinez.

He says Sale is "not weak" and does not do "weak things." Ventura said Ausmus' comments after Wednesday's 6-1 loss at Detroit bothered him.

Benches and bullpens emptied after Sale hit Martinez in the sixth inning with Chicago up 1-0. Martinez walked slowly to first, and the two started jawing at each other. Sale appeared to point out toward center field in agitated fashion as Martinez went to first.

Ausmus said the White Sox thought the Tigers were stealing signs and that Sale deliberately hit Martinez. Sale did not accuse the Tigers of stealing signs afterward and insisted he was not specifically gesturing toward center.

(© Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.