The Detroit Tigers are strongly denying that they intentionally hit home plate umpire Quinn Wolcott with a pitch on Wednesday during a game against the Cleveland Indians.

Buck Farmer, who threw the pitch that eluded catcher John Hicks and struck Wolcott in the shoulder, disputed that the incident was planned.

"The fact that's even a question is appalling," Farmer said. "It shouldn't be a question. When you look at the situation, it's stupid to even think about. It shouldn't even be a thought from anybody that Hicks and I would do that."

The incident occurred two batters after Brad Ausmus and catcher James McCann were ejected. McCann was tossed when he turned to argue with Wolcott after Cleveland's Jay Bruce drew a walk to put runners on first and second with two outs. Ausmus came out to confront Wolcott and was also ejected.