Adam Ottavino hasn't even called his first game from the ESPN booth yet, but the 15-year MLB veteran is already making it clear he won't hold back.
On Wednesday, just one day before his analyst debut covering the St. Louis Cardinals-San Diego Padres matchup, the former Yankees and Mets reliever didn't mince words when asked about the biggest controversy in baseball right now: Detroit Tigers pitcher Framber Valdez drilling Boston Red Sox star Trevor Story with a 94-mph fastball up and in.
The incident came just one pitch after Valdez surrendered back-to-back home runs, sparking a bench-clearing confrontation. Valdez was ejected and later suspended six games by MLB, while Tigers manager A.J. Hinch received a one-game suspension for his role in the chaos.
Ottavino, who has been hosting his own podcast since stepping away from the mound, offered a candid take that signals exactly the kind of analyst he plans to be.
"Did I think it was intentional? Yes. Do I think it's a horrible look? Yes. Do I know for sure? No," Ottavino told USA TODAY Sports. "Whether this is intentional or not, it certainly looks awfully nefarious. It's no wonder the Red Sox reacted the way they did. I think they were justified."
That unfiltered perspective is exactly what Ottavino promises to bring to the broadcast booth. "My goal is always to tell the truth," the 40-year-old said. "I don't make it personal, but I will let you know the truth of how things will be received."
Ottavino will join former MLB star Todd Frazier and play-by-play announcer Mike Monaco for the second game of ESPN's doubleheader on Thursday, May 7. For a pitcher who spent years studying hitters and building game plans, he sees plenty of similarities between preparing for a start and preparing for the booth.
"You build a plan and be ready to adjust," Ottavino explained. "Just like on the mound, you have to trust your preparation and react in the moment."
For fans who miss Ottavino's competitive fire on the field, his transition to the broadcast booth promises to deliver the same intensity—just with a microphone instead of a baseball in his hand.