The Houston Astros may have been caught cheating during Game 1 of the ALCS against the Boston Red Sox on Saturday.
Metro reported on Tuesday that security removed a man claiming to be an Astros employee from the media credentialed area next to the Red Sox dugout in Game 1. Metro says the man had a small camera and was texting frequently.
Another Astros staffer reportedly intervened after the employee was removed from the section and tried to convince security the man was authorized to be in the credentialed area despite not having a media credential. The man was allowed to remain in the stadium but was not allowed back into the media area.
Red Sox security reportedly was warned about the man due to suspicious activity in Houston’s ALDS against the Cleveland Indians.
“We are aware of the matter and it will be handled internally,” an MLB spokesperson told Metro.
The Red Sox, Indians and Astros either declined comment or said MLB was handling the matter.
Sign-stealing has been an issue all series. ESPN’s Buster Olney pointed out the Red Sox were using multiple signs with the bases empty to avoid having their signs stolen, though they did that long before their series with Houston.
Red Sox going with multiple signs even without a runner at second base; they think the Astros are great at stealing signs.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 16, 2018
Scott Miller says sign stealing is all people have been talking about.
Was talking w/couple of scouts this AM about this, who say it's all anybody's talking about this postseason, sign-stealing. One says he thinks eventually #MLB must wire Ps and Cs for sound so they can simply converse re. which pitch is coming next. Technology is there https://t.co/9wsmvTh8uw
— Scott Miller (@ScottMillerBbl) October 16, 2018
There have been plenty of questions this series about improper behavior. Umpires even examined the glove of Houston’s catcher during Game 1, ostensibly for foreign substances.
Just last year the Red Sox were penalized by MLB for using technology in stealing signs.
