Astros call SI Roberto Osuna story ‘misleading and completely irresponsible’

The Houston Astros have issued a strong response to a story that paints their assistant GM in a negative light.

On Monday night, SI’s Stephanie Apstein published a story in which she said Astros assistant GM Brandon Taubman taunted three female reporters over the team’s acquisition of Roberto Osuna. The team was criticized for acquiring the pitcher last year amid a domestic violence charge and suspension.

According to Apstein, during the Astros’ clubhouse celebration after winning the pennant Saturday night, Taubman yelled several times at female reporters how happy he was the team got Osuna — like he was trying to rub it in and intimidate the women.

The Astros say that is not true.

The Astros just released the following statement. pic.twitter.com/KnA6kQt0hq

— Chandler Rome (@Chandler_Rome) October 22, 2019

“The story posted by Sports Illustrated is misleading and completely irresponsible,” their An Astros player was being asked questions about a difficult outing. Our executive was supporting the player during a difficult time. His comments had everything to do about the game situation that just occurred and nothing else — they were also not directed toward any specific reporters. We are extremely disappointed in Sports Illustrated’s attempt to fabricate a story where one does not exist.”

According to the SI story, the Astros initially declined to comment on Apstein’s story. They instead chose to response via the statement.

This is not the first time the Astros have had issues with the media this season. They also got some heat for blocking a reporter from entering the clubhouse in August.