VIDEO: Terry Francona Says He Doesn’t Want Indians Pitchers Intentionally Throwing at Astros

The Houston Astros will enter the 2020 season with a big target on their backs, and we've already seen some evidence of that early on in Spring Training. Multiple Astros batters -- seven at the time of writing -- have already been plunked throughout the team's first five games of the spring, and things could stand to get worse when Opening Day rolls around. In an interview on "Golic and Wingo," Cleveland Indians skipper Terry Francona says he doesn't want the Tribe to retaliate against Houston.

Francona actually singled out Indians starter Mike Clevinger with his response, claiming to have sat down the hard-throwing righty after he berated the 'Stros on social media and in interviews. Francona warned his ace that he runs a risk of being ejected any time he throws in against Houston after those comments.

"Another thing, just to be honest, is we don't want to put any of those guys on base," said Francona. "The less they're on base, the less runs they're going to score."

While retaliation via beanball may be an intriguing option for enraged pitchers, Francona is taking a much more measured approach, suggesting that the best response from teams across the league would be to beat down on the Astros on the scoreboard.