HOUSTON - Major League Baseball has closed an investigation based on claims the Astros were trying to steal signals from the Red Sox dugout.
Reports from unnamed sources allege the Astros have been stealing signs. According to the Associated Press, this came up during Game 3 of the ALDS.
Stealing hand signals in the MLB is nothing new, but these claims are sketchy because they involve someone not in uniform allegedly using technology to do so.
The Associated Press reports the Indians complained to MLB about Houston filming their dugout. Metro Boston says the same thing may have happened Saturday during Game 1 of the ALCS and say a man claiming to be an Astros employee was removed from Fenway Park.
The man reportedly had a small camera and was texting frequently.
MLB released the following statement Wednesday on the allegations:
“Before the Postseason began, a number of Clubs called the Commissioner’s Office about sign stealing and the inappropriate use of video equipment. The concerns expressed related to a number of Clubs, not any one specific Club. In response to these calls, the Commissioner’s Office reinforced the existing rules with all playoff Clubs and undertook proactive measures, including instituting a new prohibition on the use of certain in-stadium cameras, increasing the presence of operations and security personnel from Major League Baseball at all Postseason games and instituting a program of monitoring Club video rooms.
“With respect to both incidents regarding a Houston Astros employee, security identified an issue, addressed it and turned the matter over to the Department of Investigations. A thorough investigation concluded that an Astros employee was monitoring the field to ensure that the opposing Club was not violating any rules. All Clubs remaining in the playoffs have been notified to refrain from these types of efforts and to direct complaints about any in-stadium rules violations to MLB staff for investigation and resolution. We consider the matter closed.”
Astros general manager Jeff Luhnow responded to the allegations Wednesday, saying, "I think what happens is when a team has success, there will be a lot of other people looking at them to see what's driving their success.”