- The Washington Times - Thursday, August 22, 2019

The Detroit Free Press reported early Thursday morning that the Houston Astros blocked reporter Anthony Fenech from Justin Verlander’s postgame press availability the previous night at Verlander’s request.

“As other media members entered the clubhouse, Fenech, who has a BBWAA-issued credential, was blocked from entering by three Astros security officials,” the Free Press’s sports editor wrote.

The Free Press said the situation may have run afoul of rules set by both the BBWAA and the players’ collective bargaining agreement.

Fenech eventually was let in and tried to speak to Verlander one-on-one, but the pitcher said he wouldn’t answer any of Fenech’s questions.

Verlander responded on Twitter Thursday morning and explained why he would not speak to the reporter.

“I declined to speak with the @freep rep last night because of his unethical behavior in the past,” he wrote. “I reached out to the @freep multiple times before the game to notify them why and to give them an opportunity to have someone else there. Ironically they didn’t answer.”

Verlander did not explain what unethical behavior Fenech had committed.

Verlander pitched for Detroit from 2005 to 2017. Fenech has been the Free Press’s Tigers beat reporter since 2015.

• Adam Zielonka can be reached at azielonka@washingtontimes.com.

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