Astros invitee denies intentionally plunking Miggy

Edison Frias, a Houston Astros non-roster invitee ejected from his Grapefruit League debut for hitting Detroit Tigers star Miguel Cabrera after surrendering back-to-back-to-back home runs, said he didn't plunk the two-time MVP on purpose Saturday.

His errant pitch, Frias said, was the result of poor command that dogged him all afternoon at Joker Merchant Stadium, where the 26-year-old served up consecutive homers to Andrew Romine, Ian Kinsler, and Victor Martinez and didn't retire any of the five batters he faced.

"I was trying to get ahead in the count there to Miggy with a breaking ball and I had nothing," Frias told MLB.com's Brian McTaggart through a translator. "I couldn't command any of my pitches. I was all over the place."

Frias, called on to toss the third inning after Brad Peacock held the Tigers scoreless on two hits through the first two frames, posted a 3.98 ERA with a 1.37 WHIP over 92 2/3 innings in the upper minors last year, and hit three batters in four appearances with the Triple-A Fresno Grizzlies.

"It's obviously frustrating, but in this game you can't think about it for too long," Frias said. "You're going to forget about it and get ready for the next time. It's my first time battling guys that played in the Major Leagues, and I'm grateful for the opportunity, but next time I'll be ready."

Despite getting tossed by home-plate umpire Hunter Wendelstedt, Frias said Cabrera knew there was no intent behind the pitch that appeared to strike the 11-time All-Star in the head.

"He said 'It's cool. I know you weren't trying to hit me. You threw me a curveball,'" Frias said.