Framber Valdez is ready to get back to business. After serving a five-game suspension for intentionally hitting Boston Red Sox shortstop Trevor Story in his last outing, the Detroit Tigers left-hander is slated to return to the mound Wednesday against the New York Mets at Citi Field.

The suspension kept Valdez away from his team when the lights went on. He could work out with coaches before games, but once the first pitch was thrown, he had to leave the clubhouse entirely. It was a lonely stretch for a competitor who thrives on being in the dugout with his teammates.

"I felt pretty bad once I got the news because I had to stay away," Valdez said through Tigers interpreter Carlos Guillen on Tuesday. "I was not allowed to be in the clubhouse during the games. I felt terrible. I felt sad leaving the clubhouse and leaving my teammates when I had to go back to the hotel to watch games on TV."

Valdez has maintained that he did not intentionally throw at Story, and he feels the suspension was unjust. "It was not fair," he said. "But the suspension is over. I'm going back to the mound to help my team win and do my best to get that win."

So far this season, Valdez has posted a 4.57 ERA with 15 walks and 35 strikeouts across 43⅓ innings over eight starts. The numbers show room for improvement, and the Tigers are eager to see him regain his form.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch is keeping it simple. "I just want him to come out of it ready to pitch. That's all you can really do. It's hard being not around the team during games. He's been able to get his work in behind the scenes, and now we've got him center-focused on the Mets. I hope he understands how important he is to us to get back on track."

For Valdez, Wednesday isn't just about returning from suspension—it's about resetting his season and proving he can be the reliable arm Detroit needs down the stretch. Expect a motivated pitcher on the mound as he looks to leave the controversy behind and focus on winning.